1980 SC 22mm Sway Bar Update Fitment Issues

[zevenbergena]

I have become an expert at disassembly and reassembly of my front suspension, with the exception of the last two bolts- the belly pan bolts that hold the sway bar brackets in place. I've taken everything apart and put back together 4 times trying to get this right.
Upgrading stock sway bars to 22mm from an 86. Verified the correct bushings and brackets are the same. Lubricating the bushings prior to assembly.
Does anyone know any tricks or had this before?

[Driven97]

No tricks. It effing sucks. Let me guess, the swaybar is a little too far towards the rear of the car?

I grease the bushings where it plugs into the A-arm really good, and try to push the swaybar too far when I'm putting it in place. When getting the brackets on I use a prybar and harsh language, and put all four bolts in first loose then tightened down fully. I then take out the two that double as the pan holders and hope nothing slips.

[zevenbergena]

That's the exact situation. Didn't think of using a pry bar. I did think about expanding the hole on the bracket to a tri-oval type shape. I think there's enough metal there to still serve its purpose.

[Chuck Moreland]

Don't grease the bushings. It will break down the rubber in time.

Use liquid soap to lubricate for assembly.

Trick for installing the bar is to over insert one end in about 6 inches further than it will ultimately fit. This will reasonably align the opposite end with the bushing. Then try to get the other side started through bushing. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it takes some doing.