Front Stablilizer Bar

[MAYoung]

Question: My 1998.5 2500 4x4 has 261,000 miles and 20 years since it arrived from the dealer. I am replacing the rubberized bushing for the front stabilizer bar and I noticed that the holes for where it attaches to the links appear to be elongated. Are these holes subject to wear and elongation?

The bushing and the links are being changed for the first time since new. I have no idea what the size of the holes on the bar should be. Should it nearly match the diameter of the threaded portion of the link where the nut attaches?

Thank you for your insights in advance.

M. Young
Fair Oaks, California

 

[KATOOM]

I dont remember any elongated holes, and usually anything but round and tight means worn. I'd have to see a picture of what you're looking at to be positive though.

 

[Ozymandias]

Mine at the Gen.3 are elongated to, I think this is to make line up easier.

 

[B.G. Smith]

When the front end moves up and down due to weight or rough surfaces, the ends of the stabilizer bar moves in an arc, thus the holes for the links are oval shaped to allow movement with out bending linkage. bg

 

[MAYoung]

A couple of points as I'm working on getting a picture.

First, the parts department at the local Dodge dealer have never seen a front stabilizer bar replaced due to wear---just accidents.

Second, I did not notice any wear on the links supporting the end of the stabilizer bar. The rubber grommets appear to keep the metal parts separated.

I'm going to check with a Dodge only salvage yard and get their input but I'm getting close to accepting that the bar came with the elongated holes.

Thanks for all your inputs. M. Young

 

[JMcCoy]

When you say stabilizer bar, I am assuming you mean sway bar. If so, just replace the end links. I'm sure you bar is just fine. The holes should be a little elongated. Unless you are going aftermarket, you should not need to replace a sway bar.