66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
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I am not that familiar with the mechanics of the truck I have dismantled for restoration, just trying to take it apart and make it nicer as I get to putting things back. Im not wanting to do anything all that tricky just put it back but where I can improve things I will. The inclusion of sway bars has been an interest but Im unsure of which type to purchase and what may need modification. There is also a trac bar that was on the truck that needs a replacement I think. The rubber bushings in the trac bar are all dry rotted and cracked and I didnt know if the type of bar I have is something to replace entirely or replace bushings on it. Ill post a pic of what it looked like before the tear down.
So is there a sway bar recommendation anyone has for this 66? And is the trac bar I have replaceable? |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
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I bought an adjustable one from Summit Racing, and it worked great. Felt much better than the stock one especially after the stock one split in half while I was driving. Felt like drifting without losing traction due to the body swinging back and forth while the wheels stayed straight lol
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Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I don't run a rear sway bar but I did go to the Early Classics super track bar that goes over to the trailing arm. It does make a difference on the feel of the truck. Has your truck got a front bar and what other plans for the suspension do you have?
Jimmy |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
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Along the way I took pics of every bolt i removed just about so I would know how to put it all back together. Somethings I didnt sandblast due to the wear and figured Id need some new stuff. The front sway bar was the only modification to the way it was I had thought about, but if there some other things big improvement ideas a newbie can do that wont be too tricky or break the bank Im open to suggestions. |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
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Here is a pic of what it looked like during the tear down
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If you are planning to do any type of lowering, the adjustable trac bar is probably a good thing to get that way you can get the axle centered at whatever ride height you go for. |
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Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Been a while on this but on the search for a track bar replacement for the one I have in the original pic in the 1st post.
For a standard height/stock is there a track bar I should search for? I saw this one when searching summit, but it says lowered coil spring suspensions only. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clp-6572datb Ive tried Classic Parts and only see a conversion kit. I dont know if they still make bushings for the one I have even if I wanted to go to the trouble of sandblasting it. |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I think that was the same one that I used on mine. I never went back to check on what the part number was that I used though
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Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Performance on Line also sells them.
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Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
An 80's F150 rear sway bar is 95% bolt on, the metal brake lines on the axle need to be bent slightly to clear it, and you'll have to make brackets to bolt the end links to the frame. Much cheaper and better fitting than the aftermarket sway bars.
https://i.imgur.com/KNPdxnCl.jpg |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Any more info on the F150 bar? I wouldn't be completely against running a ford part on my rust bucket if it performs well
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Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I'd straighten it out and put in some replacement bushings. If the track bar breaks it will be on the ends so don't mess with that. I don't think you can get original bushings but these might work. I've got some on order for my truck.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+bushing,10416 |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
All I know is that I bought an 8.8 axle off craigslist and it supposedly came from an 80's F150. And that the guys I bought it from thought I was crazy for loading it on the roof rack on my mint Conquest TSi :lol:
I've been meaning to check out the F150s at LKQ to see if I can find another. https://i.imgur.com/JODFupFl.jpg |
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Do you know what diameter the bar is? Also, does it perform well with the front bar that you have? |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I bought the same kind of bar as in post #2 from Early Classic Enterprises. Summit is great, when you know exactly what you want, but sometimes it's worth it to pay a few more bucks to buy from people who are actually involved in the classic truck hobby.
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The sway bar will be a future addition, just bought some belltech shocks for replacements to the oldies along with much more to come, so Im trying to control the wallet hemorrhaging. |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
One other option is to put the ECE super track bar on it or any of the other long bars that go to the trailing arm. It does a lot to lower the roll center and makes a big change in the rear roll.
Jimmy |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
The PO of my truck put on this trac bar: http://pbfab.com/63-72-fully-adjustable-trac-bar
I can't really comment on how good it is yet since I'm not on the road but just thought I'd send out the option for ya. |
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I have front and rear sway bars on a 70 and 60. Also have adjustable track bars on both. On the 60, the track bar bolts to a bracket on the opposite side trailing arm and then to the frame bracket. On the 70, its just a replacement one at the factory locations.
I also have a 64 impala and the best thing I did was a adjustable track bar. Nice to be able to center the wheels in the wheelwells. |
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