Sway Bar End Link Bushings

[GregL]

Ugh!
OK, does anyone have a definitive way to install these little fuckers?
These are the end link bushings for my '77 K20. I really want to stick with OEM style black rubber rather than the poly bushings. Used the poly in the past and couldn't get past the endless squeaks.
So, these are correct but a super tight fit. I've tried removing the center steel bushing and installing the rubber first. No luck. Tried heating the bar, no luck. Soaped the living **** out of them for lube, still no luck.
Anybody done them and have a procedure that works?
Thanks for the help!
Greg

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[skysurfer]

I've seen a lot of end link bushings but never ones like that. What brand are they?

 

[GregL]

Centric brand. Bought them from Parts geek in Pico Rivera.
They look pretty typical to me for the K20 front sway bar.

 

[C10MixMaster]

Ugh!
OK, does anyone have a definitive way to install these little fuckers?
These are the end link bushings for my '77 K20. I really want to stick with OEM style black rubber rather than the poly bushings. Used the poly in the past and couldn't get past the endless squeaks.
So, these are correct but a super tight fit. I've tried removing the center steel bushing and installing the rubber first. No luck. Tried heating the bar, no luck. Soaped the living **** out of them for lube, still no luck.
Anybody done them and have a procedure that works?
Thanks for the help!
Greg

You must be registered for see images attach

have you tried using a piece of all thread to pull it through? assemble all thread with nut/big socket/bushing/sway bar/bigger socket/ nut
Tighten the two nuts and it should pull it through. a little lube helps to.

 

[dhenderz]

I had the exact same issue. If I recall the brand I purchased was even OE GM (Delco).

You must be registered for see images attach

I fought with those things for hours. Tried everything you can imagine (sleeves, tapered sections of tubing, hydraulic press, etc, etc...). All I accomplished was wasting hours of my time and ended up destroying the bushings.

I am not sure how they got those installed originally. I ended up just purchasing these -

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[dvdswan]

I've always used anti-seize on poly bushings and never had a squeak.

 

[GregL]

have you tried using a piece of all thread to pull it through? assemble all thread with nut/big socket/bushing/sway bar/bigger socket/ nut
Tighten the two nuts and it should pull it through. a little lube helps to.

C10MM,
Thanks brother. It was a struggle but this was the answer. Long piece of all thread and LOTS of lube. Finally got them in.
Cheers, Greg