Well, this Sunday, I did some suspension work. I POR-15'd the rear anti-sway bar, but never got to install it- the paint was still wet. It was dry yesterday; maybe I'll get to it today.

I also intended to weld up a Wonderbar on Sunday... but didn't do it. The problem is that lower radiator hose, and how it curves down between the radiator and front anti-sway-bar. I wish I had that later-model "straight" lower radiator outlet! I know others have just pushed the wonderbar into the rad hose, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It seemed like the bar would be stressing the hose (and radiator outlet) a little too much for my comfort level. I experimented with positioning the tube "above" the radiator curve, but it didn't seem right. I figure I'll leave this project alone for another day.

I did put on the front stabilizer bar mounting bushings, though! My old, 218,000 mile bushings were a mess- not only were the edges peeling apart, but they had turned into ovals!! The 34mm ES pieces fit snugly onto the bar- at first, the slits didn't close, it looked like my bushings were too small. Turns out it was the grease that was filling the space; when I tightented the bushings down (with a loaded front suspension), the gaps were gone.

What a difference! I can't tell at slower speeds, but when I lean into the gas and take hard turns, the car feels much sturdier. I don't know if it's my imagination or not, but the car also seems "smoother" over bumps. I wonder if my old "oval" bushings were making the car ride harder. Damn great investment for $14!


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Yep, when done right, simple additions fine tune what all the effort never did.
Good going!!
When ya do the rear, you may have to scrap some of the POR15 to fit the sway bar better into the bushing.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Actually, I did think of that! I put masking tape over the area where the mounting bushings would go- there's no POR-15 in those spots. It's down to bare metal; just like it was on the trans am I yanked the bar from.

BlackZ on the suspension board dug up some great info regarding poly bushings & grease. It was said that regular (synthetic or organic) grease shouldn't be used on poly bushings because it'll eat the bushing! The silicone grease (white, very sticky, comes with ES's poly bushings) was recommended. However, i didn't want to buy another gun just to hold silicone grease! (My new rear bushings have grease fittings.) BlackZ e-mailed PSC, who said any type of grease is fine, but silicone is best. So I'll be using my Valvoline Syntec on those rear bushings... until I rebuild my front suspension- then I'll load the gun with silicone.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Still the smart guy!
That whale snot is powerful stuff.
Find it CHEAPER in the marine section of boating world places.
Marine Grease.
Good stuff. Don't do this job before going on a date, tho!
Try it to find out!!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA