62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I have been watching along and see the 60-62 front Torsion Swaybar modification is kind of a mystery. No one makes a specific one and if your like me, I like the torsion style suspension despite its down falls in handling.

I finished my 62 stepside frame off and so far logged about a 150 miles on it. Now that I have dialed in a few things like the brakes and engine/trans issues I decided to tackle the handling. I ordered from Summit Racing the "Addco 117" replacement 1-1/8" SB for the later C-10 and 20 trucks. I figure if it was not going to work they would take it back with out issue. Following are some photos of the installation that gives you an idea on how it went.
Mock up
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Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I had to make some blocks 1" thick to clear the steering box
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I used the supplied "L" brackets and drilled and attach to the A-frames equally spaced and temporarily bolted/clamped in positionAttachment 1359823

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Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

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With the links snugged up you are able to drill the blocks after you center them square on the frame. The frame begins an arc upward just behind the blocks and leaves a small gap between the frame and block. I used 2"long 3/8" bolts(grade 8) and lock nuts to install them. As I torqued them up the frames arc flattened to blocks so no gap shows

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I removed everything and dressed up the blocks and de-burred holes and reinstalled it complete....
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And if your work bench looks like this then your done.....
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Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Nice write up! That bench look too clean!

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Subscribed ! Great write up, thanks ! Looks good. Did you have to reinforce the hole you drilled on the A Arm?

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I was planning on reinforcing it but when I actually bolted it up it was pretty stout. The A frame is pretty thick in that area....I'm waiting for this big storm to pass for a test drive.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Great job!! I would like to do this to my 61.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Great looking project! Did you have to order the bushings or did the come with the kit?

If not too much trouble, I'd like to see your parts list.

Best thread on sway bars yet!!!
Tom

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

The Swaybar came with the hardware and polyurethane bushings, but I added the following...

4ea. 3/8x2" bolts/nuts grade 8.
2ea. 3/8x1.25 bolts/nuts grade 8
2ea. aluminum blocks I made from 1" thick scrap approx (1.5"wide x 4" long)

They give you 3/8 bolts, but they are cheap and not long enough for the bushing/blocks.
You can use other methods to space the bushing/blocks, but I had this scrap and thought It would also match the lowering blocks in the rear
This how it's sitting right now
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Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Thank you!

My 65 is on a 62 frame, so this is definitely an upgrade I want to do.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

boy! this storm is raging here on the Mendo coast...may take a while for that test drive...

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I guess I can wait for the test drive.....5yrs of drought allowed me to bodywork/paint the truck all thru last winter outside. Payback Time...
I should mention that the chrome brackets were something gifted to me so I used them. The ones in the kit are good and stout cad plated, but hey, free chrome is free chrome.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

You got a real nice stepper, you did a great job on the frame-off. Wish I had your garage.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I'm ordering my kit tomorrow. Thanks for a great post.

Would you use the same exact sway bar again. One a bit wider, narrower?

Tom

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Thank you...

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I would use the same Swaybar over again...in my case it was just the right width.
Its application is for a 1975 C-10-20, the Addco 117 is rather a universal style than the stock style one on my 75 C-20. I realized that this style would actually work better on my 62 using the supplied angle attachments on the lower A arms. All I really had to figure out is the spacer block thickness to clear the bumper bracket edges and steering gear box as the Swaybar moves up and down.
You might not need the spacer blocks if you have the stock steering box and the bumper brackets can be trimmed with out issues. You would just have to see mocking it up.
Its a no-brainer and easy to do now that I have done one....Joe

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

It's feast or famine when it comes to rain lately, crazy wet December, driest January .
Looking forward to the test drive update
and I agree nice looking ride.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Thank You....
I'm like a kid looking out the window watching the rain wanting to go play. I'm hoping Tuesday or Wednesday will be dry for a test drive.
I will update soon to let you know how much this Swaybar helps handling
Joe

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Man your truck looks clean. I really like how you have it set up. Thanks for taking the time to document the details of your sway bar install. Should be a benchmark reference point for a lot of 60-62 owners.

I did a similar install on my 1960 about 20 years ago using a Mustang II aftermarket bar. The installation was rather ugly, but it made a ton of difference in the handling/cornering of the truck. Once the weather passes I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Thank you for the compliments...
My build goal was as if GM made this truck today keeping the outward changes subtle and the modernized unseen at first glance.
I saw on your build thread and liked your steering wheel write up.
I settle on a 62 Nova wheel to keep the theme, but also noticed that the larger diameter added to the handling dilemma. You wouldn't think driving with a steering wheel a bit larger would add to the slower handling but it does.
I will see if the Swaybar calms down the steering and people will stop thinking I'm waving my hands at them. :lol:
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Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

looks great! yeah the bigger the diameter the slower the circle turns...

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Great write up...You truck is super clean inside and out. Subtle details are perfect. Thanks for sharing.

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Your truck looks great...be sure and give us the "full report" on the test drive. I bet that thing is going to ride like a dream....
Tom

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Thanks Tom
Its still raining with 50mph gusts..... I'm excited about the improvement and tomorrow is the break in the weather....so they say

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

This is great. Thank you for the information.
Waiting for ride update!!
John

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Yeah, those gusts have me without power for two days now here on the north coast...all the generators in the neighborhood are running. I have never seen so many trees down in one storm. jon
:eek:

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Well the moment you waited for....Handles Great !...Went 25 miles around the back roads cornering and not letting off the gas in fear of losing any control. Not that I will compete in a autocross, but its definitely a BIG improvement with money/time well spent....Oh and in the 3rd picture I did an evasive maneuver to avoid the puddle with good handling....yeah I know but the wheel wells are still clean.:lol:
So here's some action photos....well just proof I did at least drive it... LOL
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Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Congrats, were still digging out on the coast. That is one clean truck man!:metal:

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I will have to put this on my "To Do" list... thanks again

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Your welcome.....
I will get out this week to try it out on some bumpy roads at various speeds....but it feels planted to the road compared to before...

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Hey Joe,
Thanks again for this post. I got mine in from Summit for about $179 and it was here in Central California in a couple of days.

Can't wait to get it installed...got to get the engine in this week and then I can start cranking down the torsion bars to adjust the final ride height!

Weathers been nice...you had the truck out at all? Any final thoughts?

Tom

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I had the truck out and logged about 75 miles so far...no regrets on the swaybar at all. I now can focus on the detail stuff now that it runs and handles properly:c2:

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Hi Joe so how about an update , how has the sway bar held up ?

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Awesome write up, well documented. subscribed for updates. Great job on the truck!

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

I noticed your front end looks pretty low (looking at the space between bottom a-arm and frame).. did you do anything special or just lower by turning down the torsion bar adjustment bolts?

Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

All is well, The truck handles respectively well and no issues with the installation ...Been thinking of a rear sway bar installation, as most torsion bar owners will agree that there is no direct bolt on available for the rear either. What I thought I could make work is hindered by the exhaust going under the rear end. So since it's not a safety issue I will eventually find the right combo and post about it :chevy:
As far as the ride height, it's sitting on 225/65/15 front with 2.5" drop spindles and the rear is 255/70/15 with 5" drop springs and 1" lowering blocks.
I cranked the torsion keys until the A-frames were about level to the ground.
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Re: 62 Front SwayBar Installation
 

Your truck looks amazing and yeah I noticed your lower a-arm were flat but I didn't see the torsion bar keys hanging down so I was wondering if you did something else.