OEM sway bar size for 1973 Duster?

[timk225]

I am going to be ordering some new bushings and ball joints for my 1973 Duster, a power disc brake car. I saw replacement rubber sway bar bushings that specified they were for a 15/16" sway bar. I didn't think mine was that thick, so I went to the storage garage with a vernier caliper measuring tool, and measured the bar at 0.81" to 0.82" right next to the K frame mounting bushing.

Is this right, or was the bar changed?

I'll post some photos later. I do need to replace the rubber bushings at the sway bar end links, they are worn out and I can see a place where it is metal to metal, looks like there's an extra piece of metal that shouldn't be there. Last year the front suspension rattled a lot on bumpy roads. I tried looking online for replacement bushings, but the closest I can find seems to be end link kits with both the metal and rubber parts.

 

[66fs]

Sounds right. You can also use a 13/16 open end wrench. There was also a police bar, that I have, I'll check the diameter. My original is gone as it was replaced with a Mopar Performance front bar. Get greasable bushings and retainers for the bar as you measure it.

 

[Vaanth]

I am going to be ordering some new bushings and ball joints for my 1973 Duster, a power disc brake car. I saw replacement rubber sway bar bushings that specified they were for a 15/16" sway bar. I didn't think mine was that thick, so I went to the storage garage with a vernier caliper measuring tool, and measured the bar at 0.81" to 0.82" right next to the K frame mounting bushing.

Is this right, or was the bar changed?

I'll post some photos later. I do need to replace the rubber bushings at the sway bar end links, they are worn out and I can see a place where it is metal to metal, looks like there's an extra piece of metal that shouldn't be there. Last year the front suspension rattled a lot on bumpy roads. I tried looking online for replacement bushings, but the closest I can find seems to be end link kits with both the metal and rubber parts.

The 1973 - 1976 A-body sway bar, part number 2948568, was the same in all applications, where used, except the 1976 police cars, part number 4014052.

The standard sway bar diameter is 13/16" (0.8125"). For replacement frame mount bushings, in rubber, look for the following aftermarket numbers:

- Moog K5241
- Spicer 550-1000
- McQuay Norris FA988
- Mevotech GK5241
- Raybestos Chassis 550-1000 (Spicer)
- TRW HB-1155 (HB-1155 is also listed for GM applications)
- Big A HB-1155 (TRW)

NOTE: Older stock on some brands might be better. A few of the listed brands are no longer in business, but still might be found.

 

[timk225]

Here's some photos. I see that my sway bar end link bushings are shot. That flat square metal plate on top, is that supposed to be there? I should have compared it to the left side when I was there at the car storage place. I need to get new rubber end link bushings, they rattle like crazy on any kind of bumpy road.

 

[66fs]

Yes, that all looks original.

 

[junkyardhero]

the strap that secures the bushing is not original. the OG unit doesn't have that gusset. the flat plate that connects to the K is correct and the hardware is also incorrect, but that's a minor quibble.

the "plate" on top of the LCA tab is also not stock and those links look shorter than OE.

 

[340six]

This is stock 1973
3/4" plus paint

 

[340six]

Still glare picture so but .750 plus primer and paint/clear .755

 

[66fs]

Police bar 1.00 OD.