Rear sway bar installed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

powell72 · 01-07-2008, 11:40 AM

I got around to installing the rear sway bar I got for Christmas. It's a 7/8'' Hellwig from Brothers, they where having a sale and they were $99. I wasn't really expecting as much of a difference as there was. I would recommend one. I also put poly bushings on the front bar while I was at it. I found two holes to mount the end link brackets from instead of drilling holes, they're right below the bed mount brackets on both sides. They're 5/16'' holes that I just opened up to 3/8''. The bar and hardware was a gold color so I painted the bar, sleeves and end link brackets with semi flat black.
It's already dirty from driving home on slushy roads.

67_C-30 · 01-07-2008, 11:44 AM

Cool! I'm planning on adding one to my '69 C10. I'm glad to hear its worth doing the mod.

**special-K** · 01-07-2008, 12:33 PM

That`s nice.I`d like to use one on my shortbed.

ChevyDude · 01-07-2008, 01:33 PM

I got one on Lil' Red...Looks good Chris!!!

whatnow123 · 01-07-2008, 01:48 PM

looks like a easy install, so it corners better now?

OJOE · 01-07-2008, 02:11 PM

looks good, but why is it mounted so far forward?

sick69 · 01-07-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OJOE

looks good, but why is it mounted so far forward?

It doesn't need to be mounted on the rear end. I does need to be parallel to the rear end and the ground and secured at both ends at the end of both arms.

I would think the closer to the rear end it's mounted the stiffer it will be due to less leverage behind it but i'm no suspension guru so that not be true.

I believe you could probably mount the anti sway bar to the frame and run the end links to the rear end. Which is what I may end up doing for clearance reasons.

Frank

OJOE · 01-08-2008, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sick69

It doesn't need to be mounted on the rear end. I does need to be parallel to the rear end and the ground and secured at both ends at the end of both arms.

I would think the closer to the rear end it's mounted the stiffer it will be due to less leverage behind it but i'm no suspension guru so that not be true.

I believe you could probably mount the anti sway bar to the frame and run the end links to the rear end. Which is what I may end up doing for clearance reasons.

Frank

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72BlckButy · 01-07-2008, 08:05 PM

Great mod Chris! I've always thought about adding one to my truck, and now it sounds like I need too.

badpeanut · 01-07-2008, 11:24 PM

Would a leaf spring truck also benefit from a rear sway bar?

**special-K** · 01-08-2008, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badpeanut

Would a leaf spring truck also benefit from a rear sway bar?

Yes,maybe more since the leafs tend to warp.

Luvlegs · 01-08-2008, 03:42 AM

I couldn't believe what a difference the front one I added made. I assume you had one on the front already and this might sound stupid but how many times better did you notice it with the rear one too? (best way to word the question I guess...)

Huck · 01-08-2008, 06:25 AM

Did the package come with installation instructions that give measurements of where to mount?

Andy4639 · 01-08-2008, 06:33 AM

I just finished a adjutable track arm on the 71, next up is a sway bar. I'm going yard hunting to get mine I hope. It looks just like the front sway bar I have with longer tie down ends links. Will see what's out there.
Nice install by the way!

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-08-2008, 06:37 AM

So if I am reading this correctly, all of the holes you needed were there already to mount it?

70c10 · 01-08-2008, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

So if I am reading this correctly, all of the holes you needed were there already to mount it?

I found this today.
http://www.classicperform.com/Instru...dco/CP954U.pdf

Looks like the key here is to form a 90 degree angle.

70c10 · 01-08-2008, 06:38 AM

There was a post a few years ago about using an 85' IROC-Z rear sway bar setup.

ChevyDude · 01-08-2008, 06:59 AM

Hellwig makes one that you DO NOT have to drill anywhere! This is the one I put on Lil' Red. Comes un-painted so you can paint or Powder Coat to match your truck:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

70c10 · 01-08-2008, 07:08 AM

Alex- that looks beefy for the price! Most of the ones I have seen were like 7/8".

ChevyDude · 01-08-2008, 07:28 AM

It is a nice one for sure. I think Frizzle Fry is going to get one and have it sent to me first...gonna Powder Coat it for him.

Here is mine that I ordered for Lil' Red as it showed up at my place. Even though I ordered it un-painted...it arrived with black paint??? If you want to drill install you can do that also, but don't have to.

70c10 · 01-08-2008, 07:40 AM

Looks like an easy install either way!

powell72 · 01-08-2008, 01:00 PM

I'm gonna try to answer all questions:
It seems to be almost twice as good now handling wise between the rear bar install AND the poly bushings on the front. My old ones where completly shot.
There where instructions on where to mount it, I just decided to use my own judgement(???). It's so far forward because of the frame kick-up for the rearend, I didn't think the end links would reach. Also you need to consider the trailing arms angle towards the outside of the truck as they get closer the rearend, the bushings mounted on the trailing arms are only 2'' from where the bar bends forward now.
Drilling was required with this kit.
I wanted to keep the bar close to parallel with the trailing arms.

I went with this kit specifically for the fact that it was a 7/8'' bar. I feel a rear bar that is as big as a front bar, especially on a truck that has no weight in the back will cause some ill handling. Most of the bars I've found are 1-1 1/8'' and my front bar is the 1 1/16'' version.

Would I recommend a rear bar? Yes. Would I tell anyone which one to buy or how to install it? No.

ChevyDude · 01-08-2008, 03:23 PM

Chris, Good job on the sway bar install, they really make the back end feel tight. I was in no way was I trying to say one bar was better than the other. Just an option for anyone that doesn't want to drill.

powell72 · 01-08-2008, 05:28 PM

Thanks, and trust me Alex, I didn't take it that way at all. In fact, if I had a bigger front bar I would have went with the same one you have. I think your's is nicer!

BTW, do you have a pic you can post showing where your bar is compared to the rearend?

c10crazy · 01-08-2008, 05:36 PM

This is a good thread. I have the stock 1 1/16" bar. I have thought about getting a rear sway bar but didn't realize my handling would be WORSE with a bigger rear bar. Is this really true?. I'd hate to spend money and be disapointed.

01-07-2008, 11:40 AM	#1
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Rear sway bar installed I got around to installing the rear sway bar I got for Christmas. It's a 7/8'' Hellwig from Brothers, they where having a sale and they were $99. I wasn't really expecting as much of a difference as there was. I would recommend one. I also put poly bushings on the front bar while I was at it. I found two holes to mount the end link brackets from instead of drilling holes, they're right below the bed mount brackets on both sides. They're 5/16'' holes that I just opened up to 3/8''. The bar and hardware was a gold color so I painted the bar, sleeves and end link brackets with semi flat black. It's already dirty from driving home on slushy roads. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html Last edited by powell72; 01-07-2008 at 11:42 AM.

01-07-2008, 11:44 AM	#2
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Re: Rear sway bar installed Cool! I'm planning on adding one to my '69 C10. I'm glad to hear its worth doing the mod. __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club!

01-07-2008, 12:33 PM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Rear sway bar installed That`s nice.I`d like to use one on my shortbed. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-07-2008, 01:33 PM	#4
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: Rear sway bar installed I got one on Lil' Red...Looks good Chris!!! __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

01-07-2008, 01:48 PM	#5
whatnow123 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 835	Re: Rear sway bar installed looks like a easy install, so it corners better now? __________________ 67 Short Step, 355, 700R 4.11 posi rear, 4/6 drop Discs on all 4 corners. Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219094

01-07-2008, 02:11 PM	#6
OJOE Crew Cut Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: MONTGOMERY,AL Posts: 757	Re: Rear sway bar installed looks good, but why is it mounted so far forward? __________________ 85 SWB 1/2 TON CREWCAB/5.3 03 CHEV 3500 DURAMAX CREW CAB 85 CHEV SWB/TPI 06 CHEV TAHOE (WIFES) 30 MODEL A HOT ROD 07 HARLEY DAVIDSON BAGGER 09 STREET GLIDE AN D A LOT MORE JUNK

01-07-2008, 08:05 PM	#9
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Rear sway bar installed Great mod Chris! I've always thought about adding one to my truck, and now it sounds like I need too. __________________ -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)

01-07-2008, 11:24 PM	#10
badpeanut Not a bad nut after all.. Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ND Posts: 1,756	Re: Rear sway bar installed Would a leaf spring truck also benefit from a rear sway bar? __________________ '05 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 '72 GMC LWB 4x2 driver '72 Chevy LWB 4x4 plow truck '71 Blazer 4x4 driver '70 GMC LWB trailer

01-08-2008, 03:42 AM	#12
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: Rear sway bar installed I couldn't believe what a difference the front one I added made. I assume you had one on the front already and this might sound stupid but how many times better did you notice it with the rear one too? (best way to word the question I guess...) __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

01-08-2008, 06:25 AM	#13
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: Rear sway bar installed Did the package come with installation instructions that give measurements of where to mount?

01-08-2008, 06:33 AM	#14
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Rear sway bar installed I just finished a adjutable track arm on the 71, next up is a sway bar. I'm going yard hunting to get mine I hope. It looks just like the front sway bar I have with longer tie down ends links. Will see what's out there. Nice install by the way! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. Last edited by Andy4639; 01-08-2008 at 06:34 AM.

01-08-2008, 06:37 AM	#15
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	Re: Rear sway bar installed So if I am reading this correctly, all of the holes you needed were there already to mount it? __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-08-2008, 06:38 AM	#17
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Rear sway bar installed There was a post a few years ago about using an 85' IROC-Z rear sway bar setup. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-08-2008, 06:59 AM	#18
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: Rear sway bar installed Hellwig makes one that you DO NOT have to drill anywhere! This is the one I put on Lil' Red. Comes un-painted so you can paint or Powder Coat to match your truck: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4 Last edited by ChevyDude; 01-08-2008 at 07:04 AM.

01-08-2008, 07:08 AM	#19
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Rear sway bar installed Alex- that looks beefy for the price! Most of the ones I have seen were like 7/8". __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads



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01-08-2008, 07:28 AM	#20
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: Rear sway bar installed It is a nice one for sure. I think Frizzle Fry is going to get one and have it sent to me first...gonna Powder Coat it for him. Here is mine that I ordered for Lil' Red as it showed up at my place. Even though I ordered it un-painted...it arrived with black paint??? If you want to drill install you can do that also, but don't have to. Attached Images __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4 Last edited by ChevyDude; 01-08-2008 at 07:37 AM.

01-08-2008, 07:40 AM	#21
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Rear sway bar installed Looks like an easy install either way! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-08-2008, 01:00 PM	#22
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Rear sway bar installed I'm gonna try to answer all questions: It seems to be almost twice as good now handling wise between the rear bar install AND the poly bushings on the front. My old ones where completly shot. There where instructions on where to mount it, I just decided to use my own judgement(???). It's so far forward because of the frame kick-up for the rearend, I didn't think the end links would reach. Also you need to consider the trailing arms angle towards the outside of the truck as they get closer the rearend, the bushings mounted on the trailing arms are only 2'' from where the bar bends forward now. Drilling was required with this kit. I wanted to keep the bar close to parallel with the trailing arms. I went with this kit specifically for the fact that it was a 7/8'' bar. I feel a rear bar that is as big as a front bar, especially on a truck that has no weight in the back will cause some ill handling. Most of the bars I've found are 1-1 1/8'' and my front bar is the 1 1/16'' version. Would I recommend a rear bar? Yes. Would I tell anyone which one to buy or how to install it? No. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html Last edited by powell72; 01-08-2008 at 01:17 PM.

01-08-2008, 03:23 PM	#23
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: Rear sway bar installed Chris, Good job on the sway bar install, they really make the back end feel tight. I was in no way was I trying to say one bar was better than the other. Just an option for anyone that doesn't want to drill. __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

01-08-2008, 05:28 PM	#24
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Rear sway bar installed Thanks, and trust me Alex, I didn't take it that way at all. In fact, if I had a bigger front bar I would have went with the same one you have. I think your's is nicer! BTW, do you have a pic you can post showing where your bar is compared to the rearend? __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html Last edited by powell72; 01-08-2008 at 05:29 PM.

01-08-2008, 05:36 PM	#25
c10crazy Like a Rock! Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 1,092	Re: Rear sway bar installed This is a good thread. I have the stock 1 1/16" bar. I have thought about getting a rear sway bar but didn't realize my handling would be WORSE with a bigger rear bar. Is this really true?. I'd hate to spend money and be disapointed. __________________ 69 LWB Runs great - work in progress Mess with me and you mess with the whole trailer park!

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