The trouble with the FF Torsion bars...

[Sub03]

That gap between the bushing and shell looks just like mine.
Not the FF setup on mine, I reused the hardware and ordered the bushings from polybushings.com

Pictures in this thread from a couple of years back, the guys also discussing a possible solution:
Torsion Bar Bushings

 

[M_Body_Coupe]

...I have a related question/topic; I recently replaced my pivot cushion bushings with FF inserts/plates and NOS shells, and after putting weight on the car/driving a bit have a gap between the lower portion of the shell and the bushing. Your install looks like I would expect, bushings tight to the bars and shells. Is this typical or has anyone else run up against this?...

So here is what I noticed when I was shuffling through my t-bar parts 'basket' and trying to figure out the best set of components: the FFI supplied pivot bushing is correctly sized for the bar diameter they sell, that being 1.25".

In the meantime, the PolyBushings part# 1100 (polyurethane torsion bar MoPar) which I had previously purchased with the idea of replacing the factory rubber bushings (which had deteriorated pretty badly on my stock bars) is oversized. They say it is 1.25" ID, but visually when I compared the two side-by-side the FFI stuff was the smaller ID.

 

[XfbodyX]

So the polybushing are the way to go or try?

 

[dkamp]

I hate to resurrect an Old Thread.
I replaced the End bushings, and Pivot bushings, (Polybushings.com) after a few miles of testing, I noticed a gap in the pivot bushing.
Its like the flat portions was all squished down. With all tension released from the Torsion bars, they returned to normal and fit the bar.
Any suggestions?

 

[volare 1977]

No help here as I had the same issue. I have to wonder about the quality ( hardness) of the bushing itself. By the way Firm feel sells a larger base plate ( not sure if it matters). I also bought Firm Feel bushings this time around and was hoping for better results but life got in the way and never had a chance to change them out.

 

[dkamp]

Valare 1977, thank you for taking the time to respond, I sure was hoping that there is/was a resolution. I hope one of the others that has been posting about bushings will respond as well. I'm looking forward to it, I have an alignment appointment next week and was hoping to be all squared away for that. the bushings for the Ends seem OK so maybe the alignment will be stable.

 

[Sub03]

I have the same annoying issue with my poly pivot bushings, and I think it is a common problem.

Sorry to say I've not found any resolution, so I cross my fingers at every MOT inspection hoping the guy doesn't point out the gap between the T-bar and bushing.

There was a thread on the site a few years back, take a look at this:
Torsion Bar Bushings

I tried to flatten out the bottom plate as suggested, but it did not make a difference.
I also tried to shave off some of the poly material at the split, thinking they would fit the T-bar tighter, but that only made it worse.

 

[LSM360]

I'm going to have to look at mine. I have the bigger bars from FF and all bushings from them including pivot bushings. I'm due to get it in the air for an oil change so soon. This is a pic I took after installation but I wasn't concentrating on this particular bushing but I think it looks okay in this pic, from the little I can see.

 

[LSM360]

Hey while we are on the topic, fyi there is a difference in the pivot bushing link on AHB vs. Civi. Here's a pic of them side by side. Beefier one is AHB