Front Sway Bar: Recommend replacing 4 bushings
 

It was time to replace the 4 bushings on the front stabilizer bar ('80 SC)
I am happy to report that there is a noticable difference in performance: Less bump-steer for sure. :)

Bentley Manual page 401-15:

After removing stone guard etc...........

-"Pull stabilizer backward, first from one control arm, then the other, to remove from car."

That worked fine but......................

After installing new bushings, and using a rubber lubricant, I found that the stabilizer bar will not just slide back into the new bushings using the reverse method.
I had to use a small Come-along to pull the bar-ends together (Like a bow) just a couple inches before it could slide into the new bushing.

Did I miss something?
Anyone else have this experience?

You didn't miss anything. That's how the front sway install goes.

For me it was easier because I had both control arms free of the car, but I do have one question-- how can bushings affect bump steer?

The Bentley makes it sound easy but without the help of a small Com-Along, the stabilizer will not go into the new bushing, it's just too spread out.
With one side sitting deep in the new bushing on one side, the other side will make it if one can pull the bar inwards about a couple inches; works great.

Re: bump-steer.
I have the spacers under the rack, the car is lowered to 25"F, 24.5"R with alignment and CB, new Bilsteins, new bushings all around; very tight handling.

There is a favorite run I do frequently: About 4 Miles of tight uphill corners and so I know how the car behaves there.
With the 4 new bushings on the stabilizer, the little bit of bump-steer I used to have is virtually gone.
For whatever reason, a tight stabilizer bar is a definite improvement.