Stabilizer shaft, links, link insulators (24mm to 26mm)

[froggy47]

I'm going from a 24mm solid to 26mm solid rear "sway bar" on my 96. I've got the bar pn 10098181 shaft-rr 7.241.

It looks like I need new (bigger hole) bar insulators. Do I, or should I squeeze the 26mm bar into the original ones that came with the 24mm stabilizer?

Second question, are the link insulators the same part for the top (attaches to the bar, and bottom, attaches to the rear suspension knuckle)?


How do I press the new link insulators in (I'm pretty new to this so excuse the basics question)?

 

[XMAN99]

For the 1st question, I would think you need to go to the correct size bushing for that Sway bar.

2nd question, I just replace my sway bar link bushings & they are both the same size. I have the stock setup, but think they are they same all around.

XMAN

 

[Slalom4me]

I'm going from a 24mm solid to 26mm solid rear "sway bar" on my 96. I've got the
#10098181 shaft.

Do I install larger insulators, or should I squeeze the 26mm bar into the original
ones that came with the 24mm stabilizer?

Second question, are the link insulators the same part for the top (attaches to
the bar, and bottom, attaches to the rear suspension knuckle)?

How do I press the new link insulators in?

Install the appropriate 26mm insulators, it will be difficult if not impossible to use
24mm insulators on a 26mm bar. If you succeed, the insulators will grip the bar
instead of permitting it to rotate when both wheels move in unison.

It may be difficult to locate OEM insulators, they don't appear to come up at
an online GM parts site.

- 10098181 SHAFT, RR Stab ('91 LT5)
- 10098185 INSULATOR, RR Stab ('91 LT5)

Check with forum supporting GM dealers. If Superior is on the list, Chris May
has often had success locating NLS items.

A Moog distributer might have a listing for OEM-like rubber insulators.

Alternatively, VB&P offers "#88206 Swaybar Bush Kit 84-96 26mm Rear Vet".
It includes poly insulators, brackets and upper/lower end link bushings.

(Incidently, Spicer offers pairs of end link bushings as #5501041, avail from
auto distributers.)

Installation would ideally be done using a hydraulic press or an arbour press,
along with a mandrel and a base. The object being to steady the bar and
exert force on the outer shell of the bushing (not the center core) while guiding
it straight into the opening.

Alternatively, perhaps a vise could be used. Depending on the force required,
the vise jaws &/or handle may be at risk. A socket, a piece of pipe or something
similar may work to transmit the load evenly around the outside shell.

Wear eye protection.

.