Front Swaybar

[pjtoledo]

you do know about penis clamps, right??

 

[Vindictus]

you do know about penis clamps, right??

That's just........... OUCH

 

[Vindictus]

Here Is a pic of my sway bar size

 

[superj]

that an autocross sway bar.

 

[Vindictus]

yeah I have no idea why Ford wanted to weight my truck down with that beast
I do know that if you go into a corner hard enough to get a front corner to dip it set off that damn stability control BS

 

[Stokestack]

Hi everyone. I just encountered this exact issue. Ordered some new links and bushings for my sway bar, and the bushings are way too small. The vendor is throwing up their hands as if Ford issued three different sway bars on the 2009 FX4... despite their selling only one kit for this year and model.

Anyone know what the real story is here?

 

[superj]

Try a ford explorer bushing for a similar year

 

[Stokestack]

Thanks for that. After looking at the current bushings, though, they're in good condition. So I don't even need to find ones that fit. I'm trying to make the case that PartsGeek is selling the wrong part for this model. This is the only kit they sell for the 2009 FX9, but they're still claiming that you have to "confirm" the sway-bar size. But why should you need to do that on a stock vehicle?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Thanks for that. After looking at the current bushings, though, they're in good condition. So I don't even need to find ones that fit. I'm trying to make the case that PartsGeek is selling the wrong part for this model. This is the only kit they sell for the 2009 FX9, but they're still claiming that you have to "confirm" the sway-bar size. But why should you need to do that on a stock vehicle?

The problem with that is that the Explorers and Sport Tracs came with 33, 34, and 36mm sway bars and they are a bolt-on change to the Ranger, so unless you’re the original owner, there’s no way to prove that it’s a wrong listing for your truck. I run Explorer sway bars on my green 2000 Ranger… along with the entire drivetrain from my donor including the 5.0 motor…

Also parts retailers think they know more than us. I still argue with the stores when I get wheel bearings and seals for am 8.8” rear because what’s listed is for the Explorer and F-150… when they ask what axle I tell them an 8.8, but get me the parts for the 7.5 because your system is wrong…that is a well known flaw for most parts stores yet it’s never been corrected…

 

[Stokestack]

Thanks for the reply. I'm the second owner and when I got the truck it had very low mileage and was incredibly clean. I seriously doubt the previous owners modified it.

I guess it's probably not worth spending any more time on it. If anyone needs a couple of unused 28mm bushings, I have 'em!

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Thanks for the reply. I'm the second owner and when I got the truck it had very low mileage and was incredibly clean. I seriously doubt the previous owners modified it.

I guess it's probably not worth spending any more time on it. If anyone needs a couple of unused 28mm bushings, I have 'em!

Not trying to rain on your parade, just being real. I’ve been dealing with the wrong listings for the bearings and seals for probably 20 years now. I know the difference between a 7.5, and 8.8, and also the Explorer and F-150 variants of the 8.8 because I own them. The knucklehead behind the counter usually just believes the system, because it has to be right, right? Bro, I’ve spent the last 25 years learning this stuff, don’t question me when I say the system is wrong… but I’ve moved to buying commercial side and I have books of part numbers because I need to keep track of my modifications…

 

[Stokestack]

Hey, I'm not questioning you at all. I'm just saying that I can't prove anything at the moment, because there doesn't seem to be a definitive source for this information. Unless I find a Ford document that says all 2009 FX4s came with a 33mm sway bar, then I don't see what recourse I have.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Hey, I'm not questioning you at all. I'm just saying that I can't prove anything at the moment, because there doesn't seem to be a definitive source for this information. Unless I find a Ford document that says all 2009 FX4s came with a 33mm sway bar, then I don't see what recourse I have.

I’m just annoyed with parts stores

 

[pjtoledo]

take your VIN to a Ford parts counter and ask what size bar it had from the factory.

or, go to an online Fords parts site and search by VIN. you may get lucky if the part is still supported.
I do that for parts research, don't have to buy anything.

in my humble opinion, 33mm is too big for a 4x4 that needs flexing off road. YMMV

 

[Stokestack]

Thanks, I'll do that. I find it weird that there are apparently three different bar sizes installed on the same trim in the same year. WTF.