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07-05-2009, 11:14 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
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Sway Bar Function?
O.K., I installed a front sway bar on my '67 today - it was really easy - I got it from the JY off a 1-ton, a 1-1/8" bar, and used the kit from ECE. Very nice install. But I have to say that I don't notice a whole lot of difference after driving it. I have 2" drop springs on the front. Could that be why? What exactly does the sway bar do?
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
07-06-2009, 12:11 AM | #2 |
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Location: slurrey, bc.
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
the truck should be some deal flatter while cornering.. but the stiffer springs will also help in the same way.
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-'73 c/10 - Low with Go - will be complete... probably never. -'90 2wd Blazer - well... soon enough anyways. -'84 SWB - the daily gas guzzler. |
07-06-2009, 01:30 AM | #3 |
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Location: Hillsboro Oregon
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
Think of it this way; when the outside tire moves up in relation to the body as you make a turn, the sway bar tries to move the other (inside) tire up the same amount. The bar is designed to twist when this happens and it wants to twist back to it's natural position (flat). That twist back force is transferred through the frame bushings to keep the body more level than it would be without it.
You won't feel much of a difference in a straight line, but you should feel it in the corners. |
07-06-2009, 07:59 AM | #4 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
x2... time to hit that roadcourse!
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-Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
07-06-2009, 09:18 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
Posts: 5,191
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
Got it - thanks for the explanation. It does seem to be a little flatter in the corners.
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
08-06-2009, 04:26 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: So.Cal
Posts: 542
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
What year was that one ton?
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08-06-2009, 04:34 PM | #7 |
Gen III Power
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Hesperia CA
Posts: 318
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
I got my bar off a 1 ton, its a 1-1/4''. From what I understand the 3/4 ton's have 1-1/8'' bar.
I noticed night and day with my 1-1/4'' bar, It made the overall ride a little more harse on bumpy roads, Since now your independent arms are working more together LOL and fighting each other. On the freeway is where I noticed it BIG time, in the wind with big rigs and windy flat areas the sway bar helped the handling noticeably. It also helped huge amounts in "S" turns, its just quicker to react and really makes the rear end want to go slideways !!!!
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---Bob--- '81 Long Box. 2005 5.3l Vortec and 2005 4L80e coming soon... Last edited by hessian18; 08-06-2009 at 04:34 PM. |
08-07-2009, 07:54 AM | #8 | |
just can't cover up my redneck
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Columbus OH
Posts: 11,414
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
The fact that it makes the rear "loose" indicates that you have too much front bar.....or you need one on the rear to even it out. The idea that "more is better" is not always the case. Add a rear bar to go with your front and you will see a huge difference.
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08-06-2009, 05:07 PM | #9 |
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Location: So.Cal
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
Hessian18,
Cool. What year was the 1 ton truck? |
08-06-2009, 05:43 PM | #10 |
Gen III Power
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Hesperia CA
Posts: 318
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
The truck I got the bar from was a 76. Im not 100% if that was the factory bar or not, since it has grade 8 hardware and nylocs...
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---Bob--- '81 Long Box. 2005 5.3l Vortec and 2005 4L80e coming soon... |
08-06-2009, 05:25 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
Any 67-87 one ton will work.
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08-06-2009, 06:02 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 2,488
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
On a lowered truck the center of gravity is closer to the ground so a sway bar's effect is less noticeable. If you want a smooth ride and don't corner hard, forget the sway bar. On the other hand...........
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08-06-2009, 06:19 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 538
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
When you decided that you wanted a sway bar what improvements were you looking for?
If you have the 2 inch drop springs in the front that would stiffen it up and maybe that is enough for you?? |
08-06-2009, 09:08 PM | #14 |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Fairfield Maine
Posts: 1,759
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
Did you get the frame stands with it?
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08-06-2009, 10:47 PM | #15 |
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
The difference was like night and day for my 69 and that was simply going from a small bar to a 1.25" bar from a 73-87 1ton. The truck feels more confident, modern, agile, and corners with authority now. If you are not sure if it's for you maybe you can find a swaybar equipped truck to test drive. My 64 with no sway bar feels like a canoe around turns compared to the 69.
Last edited by Frizzle Fry; 08-06-2009 at 10:48 PM. |
08-07-2009, 05:00 AM | #16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Fairfield Maine
Posts: 1,759
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Re: Sway Bar Function?
Could it be on upside down?
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