Sway bar opinions

[Redchevy87]

I’ve done a little bit of searching but didn’t find quite what I was looking for. I’m shopping for a front sway bar for my 87. I was originally looking at a belltech but the cpp bar is quite a bit cheaper so I’m thinking I might go with that. Western chasis also sells one that is less expensive. Is the belltech really that much better or would one of the others work just as well?

[MikeB]

Keep in mind there are two types of front bars. An OE-type bar uses center mounting brackets that drop down from the frame rails. Many aftermarket bars use brackets with the bushings sitting right on the frame rails.

I used a Western Chassis bar on my 82 C10 that did not have a factory bar. The first one they sent was 3/4" higher on one end than the other. The second one wasn't perfect but it was much better.

[Palf70Step]

I got a factory sway bar from junk yard. Installed it with new bushing and brackets. I just was not a fan of the way the aftermarket ends connected.

[sweetk30]

i see your not to far from me in freeville ny

let me check my stash of parts i might have a whole oem setup .

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I got a factory sway bar from junk yard. Installed it with new bushing and brackets. I just was not a fan of the way the aftermarket ends connected.

That's a good way to go if you can find one, except maybe for trucks that are VERY low in the front. Did the same thing for my 69 C10 many years ago. Spent hours pulling that one at a pick-ur-part junkyard! Biggest challenge was getting the truck frame up off the dirt.

I like how the Western Chassis bar on my 82 C10 tucks up, and how the end links work vs. clamping the bar ends down to the A-arm. Just noticed the WC bar is several inches wider than the stock bar.

[Redchevy87]

Thanks for the info! Does the factory setup work as well or better than aftermarket? Does anybody have any experience with belltech or cpp?

[TrailerTrash]

I have a 1 and 1/16th" factory C20 sway bar on my 77 C10 and it is night and day difference. I am looking into getting a Western Chassis rear to improve even more.

I wouldnt expect problems with any of the sway bars mentioned. You will love the way it handles

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by Redchevy87

Thanks for the info! Does the factory setup work as well or better than aftermarket? Does anybody have any experience with belltech or cpp?

The bar diameter is the key. But also, as I mentioned above, the WC bar connects farther outboard on the A-arm. I'm guessing that increases roll stiffness compared to a shorter bar of the same diameter.

A front bar reduces leaning in turns, as does rear bar. But a rear bar really shines at making the steering more responsive. It almost totally gets rid of understeer.

I tried an Addco rear bar, but it didn't come close to fitting my 82 C10. I'd love to try one of the Hellwig models (stock height or 2+" lowered), but they cost $300+.