What size sway bar works best? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

64GMCHorsepower · 03-23-2010, 10:46 PM

I'm looking to get a front sway bar for my 64 GMC......

I see 7/8" , 1" and also 1 1/8"

Does it really make a huge difference in which one I get?

is one size better than the other?

Do I need a special one with my front-end being lowered 2"-3"......

Thanks for the help

**N2TRUX** · 03-24-2010, 12:30 AM

Any of them will work. The standard size on the 73-87 C-10 was 1", and the C-20's came with 1 1/8". I would go with the larger size if it's available.

The size of the bar doesn't matter if the truck is lowered or not. There are a couple of options available for mounting it. The stock bushing clamp "stands" are riveted to the frame. If your truck never had a sway bar it won't have the stands.

You can locate the stock stands, or buy a lower profile version from E.C.E. You can also bolt the clamps directly to the frame. This might work best if your truck was a bit lower, but should be alright as it is.

64GMCHorsepower · 03-24-2010, 08:23 PM

What do you mean by bolt the clamps directly to the frame? I thought the sway bars were always attached to the control arms?

**N2TRUX** · 03-24-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64GMCHorsepower

What do you mean by bolt the clamps directly to the frame? I thought the sway bars were always attached to the control arms?

The other end...

Russ65C10 · 05-06-2010, 11:57 PM

Bigger is better :-)

My 65 came stock with a 7/8 but I am in the process of replacing it with what I believe is a 1.25 inch off of a late 80's C30. The 7/8 just isn't enough bar for me especially with the 15/16th inch IROC Z28 bar I have on the rear.

Do your self a favor and just go down to your local pick-a-part and pull everything you need off of late 70's or early 80's 3/4 ton. That should get you the 1 1/8th bar, if you want a rear bar pull one off of 3rd gen Camaro. You shouldn't have to spend more than $30 - $35 per bar with all the mounting hardware. The Camaro bars mount up really nice on the back with the coils. Here an article on how to: http://www.low69cst.freeservers.com/CamaroBar.htm

mclairmo · 05-07-2010, 12:09 AM

That rear sway bar article is awesome. Thanks.

03-23-2010, 10:46 PM	#1
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	What size sway bar works best? I'm looking to get a front sway bar for my 64 GMC...... I see 7/8" , 1" and also 1 1/8" Does it really make a huge difference in which one I get? is one size better than the other? Do I need a special one with my front-end being lowered 2"-3"...... Thanks for the help __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

03-24-2010, 12:30 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: What size sway bar works best? Any of them will work. The standard size on the 73-87 C-10 was 1", and the C-20's came with 1 1/8". I would go with the larger size if it's available. The size of the bar doesn't matter if the truck is lowered or not. There are a couple of options available for mounting it. The stock bushing clamp "stands" are riveted to the frame. If your truck never had a sway bar it won't have the stands. You can locate the stock stands, or buy a lower profile version from E.C.E. You can also bolt the clamps directly to the frame. This might work best if your truck was a bit lower, but should be alright as it is. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

03-24-2010, 08:23 PM	#3
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	Re: What size sway bar works best? What do you mean by bolt the clamps directly to the frame? I thought the sway bars were always attached to the control arms? __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

05-06-2010, 11:57 PM	#5
Russ65C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 124	Re: What size sway bar works best? Bigger is better :-) My 65 came stock with a 7/8 but I am in the process of replacing it with what I believe is a 1.25 inch off of a late 80's C30. The 7/8 just isn't enough bar for me especially with the 15/16th inch IROC Z28 bar I have on the rear. Do your self a favor and just go down to your local pick-a-part and pull everything you need off of late 70's or early 80's 3/4 ton. That should get you the 1 1/8th bar, if you want a rear bar pull one off of 3rd gen Camaro. You shouldn't have to spend more than $30 - $35 per bar with all the mounting hardware. The Camaro bars mount up really nice on the back with the coils. Here an article on how to: http://www.low69cst.freeservers.com/CamaroBar.htm

05-07-2010, 12:09 AM	#6
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: What size sway bar works best? That rear sway bar article is awesome. Thanks.

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