Sway bar brackets dont fit

[RedHotMark96]

My rear sway bar brackets rusted out and snapped off, but the new ones I got don't fit. I have an addco 1 1/8 sway bar.
I ordered a new set of brackets, but the notches on the T slot aren't wide enough to slide onto the frame. There appears to be a reinforcing plate welded to where it slides into.
Is it supposed to slide in? What should I do here?

 

[kustomizingkid]

Grind the slot bigger?

 

[RedHotMark96]

Thought about it, but I don't have anything to do it with, and it looks like it would significantly compromise the structural integrity of the bracket.

 

[poniesviii]

Why did you 'order' new brackets, the bar came used? Not really a question I guess.

Check out www.supercoupeperformance.com and see if they'll offer just the brackets. Or check out the parts stores for swaybar kits, you can get kits with brackets and bushings, and you should be able to measure them or get a real good idea without opening the package.

Or, if factories will fit, just hit a salvage yard or post a wtb in the buy/sell section.

Good luck.

 

[RedHotMark96]

The bar came with brackets, which didn't seem to fit, so I ordered new ones, but they are the same and also dont fit, unless they are supposed to just rest on and not actually slide over the frame slot.

 

[poniesviii]

From what I've seen, (and I bought my mark with the bar already on) .. half the bracket slides into the slot, then the back half bolts to the car, right? So, half the bracket just rests in the slot. I'm gonna have to go look at mine now. I don't understand the problem. They should fit just fine..

 

[RedHotMark96]

How big is the notch in the part that slides in? The brackets I have have a 1/8inch notch, but it looks like I need a 1/4inch notch.

 

[davidm]

I installed the 1 1/8 bar from Addco/Shox, I used the original brackets but with the included poly bushings.
The only snag for me was that it was hard to get the bolts started into the mounts with the new fatter poly bushings.
With my cheap tools I used a clamp to help sqeeze the braket closer to line up the bolt until it was started.
Guess thats not your problem, but using the original brakets should work.

 

[DLF]

I have a couple of sets of stock brackets, if you need them.

Or, you could use Energy Suspension Greaseable Bushings as I detailed in this post on SCCoA.

 

[mrzeee]

Evan

If you already have new brackets from the swaybar then dont worry about sending mine back for a full refund. You do not have to keep them if they will not work for you.
max

 

[RedHotMark96]

If I got a set of energy suspension bushings+brackets from, what would be the easiest way to mount them. Should I use washers above or below the frame?
A 1 1/8 universal would come with brackets that would fit right?
Would it be possible for me to file down the ford brackets by hand or would this be too difficult?

 

[DLF]

If I got a set of energy suspension bushings+brackets from, what would be the easiest way to mount them. Should I use washers above or below the frame?
A 1 1/8 universal would come with brackets that would fit right?
Would it be possible for me to file down the ford brackets by hand or would this be too difficult?

Read the post I made on SCCoA, you have to make the plates that I did to install them.

It's NOT a bolt-on.