C3 '72 Front stabilizer bar bushing wrong part.

[Charles K.]

Part of my front suspension rebuild that I am undertaking includes replacing the front stablizer bar bushings. Not wanting to use poly, I ordered an ACDelco part thinking I would get a GM part (ACDelco = GM right?). The bushings I received are approx 1/4" too narrow compared to the originals and are not a snug fit when mounted in the caps that bolt to the frame. On the box are the following: ACD#45G0502 and GM#88912271. What ACDelco p/n should I be ordering for the correct rubber bushings for my '72 base suspension 3/4" dia front stablizer bar? Thanks, Charles

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 '72 Front stabilizer bar bushing wrong part

Charles----

First of all, AC-Delco is a General Motors parts organization. However, the parts available through AC-Delco are not always the same as the parts available through the GM parts system. AC-Delco is GM's REPLACEMENT parts system. The parts sold through that system are either OEM or aftermarket. It's sometimes very hard for the "lay-person" to know just what they're getting, though. The key is the "long number" (e.g. 88912271, in this case). That, particular, part number indicates a REPLACEMENT-type, aftermarket-type part. It's NOT the same as the OEM part.

The original PRODUCTION and SERVICE part number for the bushings used for your application were GM #3923673. That part was discontinued in January, 1971 and replaced by GM #3986427. Unfortunately, GM #3986427 was discontinued from SERVICE without supercession in July, 1985. So, there is currently NO GM OEM-type part available for your application.

A Delco part system part like the 45G0502 looks to me to be the correct part for your application. Keep in mind that Delco parts, like most aftermarket parts, tend to be a little "generic". This means that they've consolidated a lot of original applications into a single part number. In this sense, the parts become "a jack of all trades, but master of none".

However, in this case, I think that the parts will work ok. Keep in mind that with these bushings, the bushing needs to be COMPRESSED INTO the retainer. Therefore, to start out with, the bushing may appear too narrow, but too high and a loose fit on the shaft. After compression, though, it will likely "fill out" the retainer. I can't say, for sure, that the ones that you have will do this, but that's how the original ones would fit if you had them. To what DEGREE there may be a difference, I don't know.

In order to compress the bushings into the retainers, the best plan is to use longer, ALL-THREAD bolts. Use these to pull the retainer down to the frame horns, thereby compressing the bushing into the retainer. Afterwards, you can remove the long bolts ONE AT A TIME and replace with the original bolts.

If this doesn't all work out to your satisfaction, then you can just order a set of reproduction bushings from a "bushing extraordinaire" like Dr. Rebuild. However, I think that it will all work out with the ones you have.

[Charles K.]

Re: C3 '72 Front stabilizer bar bushing wrong part

Joe, I went out and did a test fit. As you said, these bushing are a "serviceable" replacement but they do not fit (fill out into) the retainers as well as the original bushings. I will look around at Bloomington Gold and see what I can find and if not, give the good doctor a try. Thanks for the reply Joe.

Charles