Sway bar - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

grs · 01-30-2010, 07:44 PM

Will a sway bar stop the truck from dipping down when I make a turn? The body on my 69 truck is not on the frame straight. Someone did a body off. I dropped the front 2 and 1/2 inches, and added 22 inch wheels. The wheel rubs the front fender a very little bit when making a left turn. Please email me at. gsgman2@sbcglobal.net

hicktownhotrodder · 01-30-2010, 08:04 PM

Welcome to the site from rockford! a sway bar will greatly reduce body roll if thats what you're asking.

71swb4x4 · 01-30-2010, 08:11 PM

Are you sure the body is on incorrectly? It sounds like you could have a coil spring that is not ceated correctly which could cause one end to sit lower or higher than the other. If someone heated the springs, or cut them unevenly, that could also cause that.

A sway bar is a must on these trucks. It is one of the sinlge best handling changes you can make, and it's cheap too.

grs · 01-30-2010, 08:16 PM

The body is off set. It was hitting before and after I had stronger front coils installed. The new coils did improve it a little. Thanks

hicktownhotrodder · 01-30-2010, 08:25 PM

are the body mounts new? that could do it too.

grs · 01-31-2010, 10:50 AM

The body mounts are new. Thanks

72BlckButy · 01-31-2010, 12:38 PM

It could be related to the size of the wheel/tire combo on the truck and the BS (backspacing) of the wheels. Can you provide the specs of the wheels/tires?

A swaybar will greatly help body roll on your truck, but if you're making minor turns and the wheels are bottoming out, there's another problem.

OhOneWS6 · 01-31-2010, 12:51 PM

How about some pics?

grs · 01-31-2010, 03:12 PM

The right wheel is out further then the left one. I will get a sway bar, It doesn't rub turning to the right. The truck has 22 inch Coys wheels. My son bought them for me. I am going to give him the truck when I am tired of it.

OhOneWS6 · 01-31-2010, 04:27 PM

Great looking truck. How about some close ups of where it is rubbing.

grs · 01-31-2010, 04:55 PM

You can't see where it is rubbing. You may be able to see how the right tire is farther out then the left one. You have to be going fast while making a left turn to get the right tire to rub, or hit a big bump going fast. Thanks for trying to help.

OhOneWS6 · 01-31-2010, 05:29 PM

Pics are worth a thousand words. I can see what you are talking about. I kinda doubt a sway bar is going to help that. A sway bar is still a good inexpensive upgrade for the truck though.

The fit and finish on these old trucks is no where near what it is on most new vehicles. I'm betting there is not really anything wrong with the truck. It's just a result of the truck being lowered with 22's. Maybe someone with a better suggestion on fixing it will chime in now that you can see it.

72BlckButy · 01-31-2010, 06:11 PM

First thing, beautiful truck!

Maybe it's just me, but look at how much farther the front wheels are pushed out compared to the rear wheels. I do see how the right wheel is pushed out farther than the left wheel, but I'm wondering how the wheels were ordered and what BS was used.

Could you get us a pic of the front suspension? Did you rework any of the front steering parts?

roughedup72 · 01-31-2010, 07:44 PM

I noticed that the fronts are further out than the rears also. Looks like back spacing. Maybe the fronts should be on the back and see if that helps. Good luck, Nice truck and your son is lucky.

**Hart_Rod** · 01-31-2010, 07:59 PM

Looks like backspacing is the problem. The rear will be tucked in a little more due to it being a 69 with the narrower rearend.

JRBECK64 · 01-31-2010, 08:02 PM

Great Looking Truck,

I put a Swaybar on the Front of my Sons 64 Shortwide and it made a huge amount of difference in how it handles now. The Truck doesn't dive into turns anymore and Im even considering putting one on the rear of the truck. Is there a difference in the back spacing on the wheels from front to back? Is the Differential original or has it been replaced?

JRBECK64

grs · 02-01-2010, 05:29 PM

The back spacing is the same on all 4 wheels. The rear end is orginal. A 12 bolt.

72BlckButy · 02-02-2010, 09:37 AM

Best guess for me... the BS is causing you some issues.

Do you know if the truck was ever wrecked? The body panels could be off a little as well causing it to rub on one side and not the other.

grs · 02-02-2010, 12:19 PM

I don't think it was ever wrecked. It does have a 71 to 72 grill, bumper, and hood on it. I am going to put a sway bar on it, and then just live with it.

HuggerCST · 02-02-2010, 12:50 PM

Nice truck! If you get a sway bar, get a big one. I have 1 & 1/8" on mine, and I LOVE it. There is a big difference in handling between a 1" and a 1 & 1/8". Mine came off of a mid 80's 3/4 ton chevy. (bolt on swap)

grs · 02-02-2010, 01:11 PM

Early Classic has a 1 and 1/4 inch sway bar for a dropped front end. It cost $159.00. I think I will buy that one.

01-30-2010, 07:44 PM	#1
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Sway bar Will a sway bar stop the truck from dipping down when I make a turn? The body on my 69 truck is not on the frame straight. Someone did a body off. I dropped the front 2 and 1/2 inches, and added 22 inch wheels. The wheel rubs the front fender a very little bit when making a left turn. Please email me at. gsgman2@sbcglobal.net

01-30-2010, 08:04 PM	#2
hicktownhotrodder Rollin Coal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Winnebago Illinios Posts: 131	Re: Sway bar Welcome to the site from rockford! a sway bar will greatly reduce body roll if thats what you're asking. __________________ I have three letters to all these import guys: God-Made-Chevy 04 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax 1972 Chevrolet C-30 Dually Pickup stock? 350 SM465 four speed 1977 GMC K-35, TH-400, 4X4 450 horse 454(dad's) 1993 Dodge cummins 5-speed DEAD!!

01-30-2010, 08:11 PM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Sway bar Are you sure the body is on incorrectly? It sounds like you could have a coil spring that is not ceated correctly which could cause one end to sit lower or higher than the other. If someone heated the springs, or cut them unevenly, that could also cause that. A sway bar is a must on these trucks. It is one of the sinlge best handling changes you can make, and it's cheap too. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-30-2010, 08:16 PM	#4
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Sway bar The body is off set. It was hitting before and after I had stronger front coils installed. The new coils did improve it a little. Thanks

01-30-2010, 08:25 PM	#5
hicktownhotrodder Rollin Coal Join Date: May 2009 Location: Winnebago Illinios Posts: 131	Re: Sway bar are the body mounts new? that could do it too. __________________ I have three letters to all these import guys: God-Made-Chevy 04 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax 1972 Chevrolet C-30 Dually Pickup stock? 350 SM465 four speed 1977 GMC K-35, TH-400, 4X4 450 horse 454(dad's) 1993 Dodge cummins 5-speed DEAD!!

01-31-2010, 10:50 AM	#6
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Sway bar The body mounts are new. Thanks

01-31-2010, 12:38 PM	#7
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Sway bar It could be related to the size of the wheel/tire combo on the truck and the BS (backspacing) of the wheels. Can you provide the specs of the wheels/tires? A swaybar will greatly help body roll on your truck, but if you're making minor turns and the wheels are bottoming out, there's another problem. __________________ -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) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 01-31-2010 at 12:39 PM.

01-31-2010, 12:51 PM	#8
OhOneWS6 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 764	Re: Sway bar How about some pics? __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 1/2 LWB White/Dark Yellow 07 Avalanche 2LT 74 Sleek Craft Rebel Jet Boat W/Pontiac 400

01-31-2010, 03:12 PM	#9
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Sway bar The right wheel is out further then the left one. I will get a sway bar, It doesn't rub turning to the right. The truck has 22 inch Coys wheels. My son bought them for me. I am going to give him the truck when I am tired of it. Attached Images Last edited by grs; 01-31-2010 at 03:16 PM.

01-31-2010, 04:27 PM	#10
OhOneWS6 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 764	Re: Sway bar Great looking truck. How about some close ups of where it is rubbing. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 1/2 LWB White/Dark Yellow 07 Avalanche 2LT 74 Sleek Craft Rebel Jet Boat W/Pontiac 400

01-31-2010, 04:55 PM	#11
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Sway bar You can't see where it is rubbing. You may be able to see how the right tire is farther out then the left one. You have to be going fast while making a left turn to get the right tire to rub, or hit a big bump going fast. Thanks for trying to help. Attached Images Last edited by grs; 01-31-2010 at 04:58 PM.

01-31-2010, 05:29 PM	#12
OhOneWS6 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 764	Re: Sway bar Pics are worth a thousand words. I can see what you are talking about. I kinda doubt a sway bar is going to help that. A sway bar is still a good inexpensive upgrade for the truck though. The fit and finish on these old trucks is no where near what it is on most new vehicles. I'm betting there is not really anything wrong with the truck. It's just a result of the truck being lowered with 22's. Maybe someone with a better suggestion on fixing it will chime in now that you can see it. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 1/2 LWB White/Dark Yellow 07 Avalanche 2LT 74 Sleek Craft Rebel Jet Boat W/Pontiac 400

01-31-2010, 06:11 PM	#13
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Sway bar First thing, beautiful truck! Maybe it's just me, but look at how much farther the front wheels are pushed out compared to the rear wheels. I do see how the right wheel is pushed out farther than the left wheel, but I'm wondering how the wheels were ordered and what BS was used. Could you get us a pic of the front suspension? Did you rework any of the front steering parts? __________________ -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)

01-31-2010, 07:44 PM	#14
roughedup72 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: south carolina Posts: 658	Re: Sway bar I noticed that the fronts are further out than the rears also. Looks like back spacing. Maybe the fronts should be on the back and see if that helps. Good luck, Nice truck and your son is lucky. __________________ 1972 chevy cheyenne 10,nothing special at the moment,Its a work in progress, Working on the engine, paint and body,engine, paint and body,now its the suspenion, ahh hell I'm about tired of working on it. Maybe it will be a rat rod.

01-31-2010, 07:59 PM	#15
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,840	Re: Sway bar Looks like backspacing is the problem. The rear will be tucked in a little more due to it being a 69 with the narrower rearend. __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3



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01-31-2010, 08:02 PM	#16
JRBECK64 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cornelius Oregon Posts: 1,073	Re: Sway bar Great Looking Truck, I put a Swaybar on the Front of my Sons 64 Shortwide and it made a huge amount of difference in how it handles now. The Truck doesn't dive into turns anymore and Im even considering putting one on the rear of the truck. Is there a difference in the back spacing on the wheels from front to back? Is the Differential original or has it been replaced? JRBECK64

02-01-2010, 05:29 PM	#17
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Sway bar The back spacing is the same on all 4 wheels. The rear end is orginal. A 12 bolt.

02-02-2010, 09:37 AM	#18
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Sway bar Best guess for me... the BS is causing you some issues. Do you know if the truck was ever wrecked? The body panels could be off a little as well causing it to rub on one side and not the other. __________________ -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)

02-02-2010, 12:19 PM	#19
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Sway bar I don't think it was ever wrecked. It does have a 71 to 72 grill, bumper, and hood on it. I am going to put a sway bar on it, and then just live with it.

02-02-2010, 12:50 PM	#20
HuggerCST Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Louisiana Posts: 4,501	Re: Sway bar Nice truck! If you get a sway bar, get a big one. I have 1 & 1/8" on mine, and I LOVE it. There is a big difference in handling between a 1" and a 1 & 1/8". Mine came off of a mid 80's 3/4 ton chevy. (bolt on swap) __________________ Wynne 70 CST short fleet Hugger orange & white, 350/350, ps, pb, air, tilt, tach/vac/speedwarning, original buckets, AM/FM, oak bed floor, shoulder belts, 3.5"/5.5" drop, 20" American Racing VN425s. Build thread 53 Chevy shortbed 69 Camaro Click here to subscribe Chevy GMC International Truck Club Louisiana Charter Member http://www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

02-02-2010, 01:11 PM	#21
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Sway bar Early Classic has a 1 and 1/4 inch sway bar for a dropped front end. It cost $159.00. I think I will buy that one.

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