98 Le Sabre broken front sway/stabilizer bar

My 98 Le Sabre has been diagnosed with a broken sway bar/stabilizer bar where it merges with the control arm. The part is no longer available. The mechanic said the problem with this part is it was made hollow, while most sway bars are solid. The mechanic called a local GM dealer who has had 2 new ones on special order for 3 months with no estimate on when they'll be available, and they are expensive ($165 ea.) I am reluctant to put 1/2 down on a part when we have no idea if/when it'll be available. Besides being upset with GM on this, I have several questions:

1) Does anyone know of an aftermarket/3rd party manufacturers?

2) I'm am reluctant to persue a used one, since there seems to be a design defect in the first place (hollow and not lasting).

3) Welding the broken arm is a possibility, although not optimal. Anyone recommend for/against this?

4) Since the sway bar is not critical, should I just have it removed and suffer with the possible consequences like uneven tire wear, etc.? Could removal be a safety issue?

5) Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Try this: http://www.gmparts4u.com/oem_parts.html

Maybe once you get to the shipping page they'll tell you its out of stock, but its worth a try and they say they have both hollow shaft and solid shaft stabilizer bars. Oh, and at $109 they're lower priced too! :thumbsup:

Welcome to AF. Do not try and weld this, second you need one for proper handling and ft to rear suspension balance, in lieu of the time frame, get a used one.

I agree... Get a Sway Bar from the wrecker.. I have gotten them for $7-$12...

Most of the LeSabres will use a 30 mm solid sway bar with an 18mm rear sway bar..

While you are at it replace the front End Links with Poly bushings... The reason i say this is that GM went with plastic spacers which do break and in some cases dissappear.... The aftermarket unit will have steel spacers and last much longer...

Installation of the Front sway bar is a bit of a headache:)