king_doodle

I just thought I should pass this along. Carid.com and other websites specify that Energy Suspension sway bar end link bushing (part # 9.8118R) is a perfect match for a 1966 Olds Dynamic. As you can see from this photo, that is not even close to being true. Before buying any bushings or suspension parts, make sure to take your own measurements and compare to the aftermarket dimensions.


Original 1966 Dynamic end link vs. the recommended aftermarket replacement.

70sgeek

the 9.8118 set fits at least 68-72 a-bodies, from my personal experience. Interestingly, they also are a direct fit replacement for my 2002 F-150 end links!


You can probably go to a local Ace Hardware and get correct length grade-8 bolts for your application so you can at least use everything else in the ES kit.

king_doodle

Good advice, 70sgeek. Strictly from a quality assurance standpoint, I think I'm still going to return the 9.8118 kit to the vendor and recommend that they figure out the correct part number. A customer should not really have to go to Ace Hardware.

joe_padavano

An on-line catalog has incorrect application info for an Olds, especially one that isn't a 1968-72 A-body? I'm shocked, SHOCKED I tell you...

You should automatically assume that any Olds application info you see is wrong unless you know otherwise, especially for less popular Oldsmobiles like the full size cars.

70sgeek

Agreed - vendors typically only go off the product suppliers info as to what fits what. So they'll likely refer you back to ES v. taking any direct blame for selling you an incorrect part


you can go to Energy Suspension's website and check their end link selection to see what set measures the same length (or closest) to your original set, which at that point should tell you what set will fit your car.


again though, time/effort to send your current set back v. buying a couple of correct length bolts locally for immediate install - your call.

joe_padavano

I've been trying to get header vendors to fix the "don't fit Supremes" notes for years now. Don't waste your time tilting at that windmill.

On a slightly related note, I just got a new Jegs catalog in the mail. Their Jegs brand G-body double hump crossmembers now say "don't fit Supremes".

oldcutlass

You can still use that kit if you mix some of your old parts with new.

joe_padavano

I've rarely been able to get the old ones off without breaking or cutting the bolt.

oldcutlass

According to the photo above... his are off.

joe_padavano

king_doodle

Energy suspension part #9.8120R is the correct sway bar end link for the 1966 Olds Dynamic 88. It has sleeve length of 1 5/8” (41mm) and overall bolt length of 5 ½” (139mm), almost exactly like the original that came on the car.

king_doodle

Getting the end links off--and the sway bar brackets too--was a real workout.