Energy Suspension Bushings: Red and Black

What's the difference?

The two different colors are essentially the same at a formula level. Some black components are graphite impregnated as a self-lubricating agent, but overall they are the same part. Graphite is not added to the red formula simply because it changes the color of the bushing.

Bushing hardness by color?

The Durometer (or hardness) of red and black bushings are the same for that position. The different colors do not indicate a higher or lower durometer.

Why buy red bushings?

Red or black bushings is almost entirely an aesthetic choice, there is no real functional difference between the two. Some who drive their vehicles especially hard (track, rally, etc.) sometimes use red bushings because it is easier to see any damage that the bushing might have suffered from extreme conditions.

Are there other bushing colors?

Energy Suspension used to have Yellow and Blue options but they stopped producing components in these colors a long time ago and they are no longer available on the market.

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Special Order Details

"Prothane"

This part is not stocked at any of our warehouses. However we can have the part shipped directly to you from the manufacturer Prothane.

Special Order Fees:

We will pay all special order fees. Purchasing a special order part will not cost you any more than if we had stocked it.

Domestic Orders:

For all orders shipping to the United States - the part will ship directly to you from the manufacturer. If you've purchased other parts along with a special order part, we will send them all in one single shipment.

International Orders:

For all orders shipping outside the United States, this part will be shipped directly to our forwarding office. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and forward the part on to you via your selected shipping option. If you've purchased other non special order parts - your entire order will wait to ship until this part has arrived.

Returns

Special Order parts do not qualify for returns. If you purchase a special order part we will not be able to assist you with a return. If your special order part is damaged, or missing a piece we will assist you in promptly receiving the correct order.

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Prothane Red vs Black

Black, or Red? Red, or Black?

Prothane makes bushings in both colors. But is there a difference in them? Is one harder than the other? There are a lot of misconceptions about the color difference in Prothane's bushings, so let us at DST clear that up for you.

How are these two colors different?

Aside from the actual color, there isn't really a difference at all between the red and the black. They are the same durometer, or hardness, so they will perform the same and both should last the life of your vehicle.

What about the graphite rumor?

The black bushings do have a small amount of graphite mixed in with the polyurethane which has the potential to help with squeaking. But really, the best way to prevent Prothane bushings from squeaking is to use the supplied pre-lube* and grease them properly at install. So whether you choose the red, or the black, just be sure to grease them properly to avoid any squeaking.

* Some types of bushings only compress, such as body mounts and endlinks, and do not come with grease because they do not need grease. So if your kit comes with grease, be sure to use it!

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Prothane Red vs Black

Black, or Red? Red, or Black?

Prothane makes bushings in both colors. But is there a difference in them? Is one harder than the other? There are a lot of misconceptions about the color difference in Prothane's bushings, so let us at DST clear that up for you.

How are these two colors different?

Aside from the actual color, there isn't really a difference at all between the red and the black. They are the same durometer, or hardness, so they will perform the same and both should last the life of your vehicle.

What about the graphite rumor?

The black bushings do have a small amount of graphite mixed in with the polyurethane which has the potential to help with squeaking. But really, the best way to prevent Prothane bushings from squeaking is to use the supplied pre-lube and grease them properly at install. So whether you choose the red, or the black, just be sure to grease them properly to avoid any squeaking.

What does Special Order mean?

Special Order Details

Prothane - In Stock in Black Only

This part is currently only in stock in Black. However we can have the part shipped directly to you from the manufacturer Prothane in the color Red if you would like. Special orders from Prothane typically arrive within 4-8 weeks.

Special Order Fees:

We will pay all special order fees. Purchasing a special order part will not cost you any more than if we had stocked it.

Domestic Orders:

For all orders shipping to the United States - the part will ship directly to you from the manufacturer. If you've purchased other parts along with a special order part, we will pay the additional shipping costs to ship the rest of your order immediately. Essentially we will give you combined shipping despite the fact that we will be making 2 shipments.

International Orders:

For all orders shipping outside the United States, this part will be shipped directly to our forwarding office. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and forward the part on to you via your selected shipping option. If you've purchased other non special order parts - your entire order will wait to ship until this part has arrived.

Returns

Special Order parts do not qualify for returns. If you purchase a special order part we will not be able to assist you with a return. If your special order part is damaged, or missing a piece we will assist you in promptly receiving the correct order.

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There are 2 different types of rear sway bar bushings in the 67-81 Firebird. 1 Bolt Clamp and 2 Bolt Clamp Style. You will need to determine which one you have by reviewing the diagrams below.

One Bolt Clamp Style

Two Bolt Clamp Style

Secondly you will need to know the diameter of your sway bar. Measuring the sway bar is very easy. You can find assistance on that here. How to Measure your Sway Bar

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To find the correct universal sway bar bushings set for your vehicle - choose the universal sway bar bracket type that most closely matches your vehicle's existing ones. Then use the "A" universal sway bar diameter measurement shown in the diagrams that matches the diameter of your vehicle's sway bar. Choose the universal sway bar part number from either of the two columns.

How To Measure Your Existing Sway Bar

Greaseable Universal Sway Bar Bushings (at top)

Sway Bar Diameter Diameter of 'A'	Part Number	Part Number
7/16" / 11mm	95151	-
1/2" / 13mm	95152	-
9/16" / 14mm	95153	-
5/8" / 16mm	95154	-
11/16" / 17.5mm	95155	-
3/4" / 19mm	95156	-
13/16" / 20.5mm	95157	-
7/8" / 22mm	95158	-
23mm	95159	-
15/16" / 24mm	95160	-
1" / 25mm	95161	-
1-1/16" / 27mm	95162	95169
28mm	95163	-
1-1/8" / 28.5mm	95164	95170
1-3/16" / 30mm	-	95171
1-1/4 / 31.5mm	95165	95172
32mm	95166	-
1-5/16" / 33mm	95167	-
1-3/8" / 35mm	95168	95173

Non-Greaseable Universal Sway Bar Bushings (below)

Sway Bar Diameter Diameter of 'A'	Part Number	Part Number
7/16" / 11mm	-	95101
1/2" / 13mm	-	95102
9/16" / 14mm	-	95103
5/8" / 16mm	95120	95104
17mm	95121	-
11/16" / 17.5mm	-	95105
18mm	95122	-
3/4" / 19mm	95123	95106
20mm	95124	-
13/16" / 20.5mm	-	95107
21mm	95125	-
7/8" / 22mm	95126	95108
23mm	95127	95115
15/16" / 24mm	95128	95109
1" / 25mm	95129	95110
1-1/16" / 27mm	-	95111
28mm	-	95130
1-1/8" / 28.5mm	-	95112
1-1/4" / 31.5mm	-	95113
32mm	-	95116
1-5/16" / 33mm	-	95114

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Energy Suspension Makes 2 versions of dust boots in this size. The -Round- version is by far the most common. The -Octagon- version is simply a slightly different shape on the outside offering a faceted Octagon shape instead of the smooth round shape. Both versions of these dust boots work the exact same, some people just like the appearance of one version over the other.

Round Style

Octagon Style

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Putting the Icing on the Cake

Energy Suspension offers a 7 year warranty for every part they make. But we know the quality of these parts deserves the peace of mind that a Lifetime Warranty provides. Exclusively for DST customers, we offer a FREE upgrade to a Lifetime Warranty handled directly thru us. No strings, no hassles, no receipts needed.

See all the details on this exclusive Energy Suspension Lifetime Warranty.

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