My ‘68 442 did not have a rear sway bar when I got it. Just installed a new 7/8” bar from OPGI and noticed the ends don’t line up perfectly with the LCAs. Forward ends fit perfectly but there is about a 1/4” space between the LCA and bar at the rear hole on each side. I see I can get a shim set which would cover both holes (sway bar did not come with a set of shims). Can I shim just the rear holes with some washers or should I try to bend the ends of the bar to fit the LCAs better so I can use the correct shims?

 

First things first. The control arms may not be compatible with your new sway bar. Are they boxed?

 

Yes they are boxed. Hardware kit included spacers, which I assume is for non boxed LCAs.

 

The factory used shims between the ends of the bar and the LCAs. Actually, I've usually seen the factory shims all on one end rather than split evenly. That was a lot faster on the assembly line.

 

Thanks Joe. Still wondering if I can just shim the rear bolt(s) as the forward ends of the bar fit perfectly, or if I will need to bend the ends so they are exactly the same angle as the LCAs and shim as in your pics.