I have a 1988 Thunderbird Sport..... I need to order some Energy Suspension bushings and I need to know what size Front sway bar comes on the Sport Model... I already have the end links...
Wrap a piece of string around it and mark it. Measure the string and use the formula "Circumference = 2πr" or rearranging the unknowns to "2r = Circumference X π" and since 2 X radius = Diameter the shorter equation is "D = Circumference X π" where π = 3.1416. Probably more than you wanted to know but it will get someone out of a jam.
I bought a magnetic base dial caliper combo pack on Amazon a few years ago for about $32 and they still offer them.
http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-H3022-Magnetic-Indicator-Caliper/dp/B0000DD4GB/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1296530852&sr=8-4
Darren
thanks for the reply..... I have dial calibers.... the problem is, the car is not close to me right now..... I thought that the size of the sway bar would be common knowledge..... but after 27 views and no answer, I guess not..
The car will be home this weekend and I'll measure it then.... I was trying to get the parts here to do the job this weekend...
again, thanks for the reply Aerocoupe....
It's either 1-1/4" or 1-5/16". I've always just grabbed the 1-5/16" bars from the 5.0 Mustangs, so I never cared what came on the car stock.
The first 5.0 Tbird I had was a 1-1/4" bar, but that was an '83. AFAIK, only the turbo cars got the bigger 1-5/16" bars, but the '88 5.0's may be the exception.
Either wait, or buy both and send one back.
thanks Chuck for the reply.... I just got off the phone with my brother... (He's using the the car)... he went out and measured the bar.... 1.312 is the measurement he got.... 1 5/16
I just ordered a set off ebay...
I now have everything I need to overhaul the entire front suspension and steering this weekend....
then next will be the rear....
88 Sports got the 1&5/16" bar. Other 88 5.0 cars got a 1&1/4" bar. That's what my 88 LX has as well.