Front Sway Bar? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ole Blue 68 · 05-26-2006, 11:16 AM

I'm just about done with the engine so I'm starting to look at the suspension and steering. My first thought is to install a front sway bar but considering my 68 doesn't have one on it already, how hard is it to put one on? Can it be done out of my garage with hand tools?

70c10 · 05-26-2006, 12:06 PM

It's an easy job. TxFirefighter did a nice writeup in FAQ on this topic.

Ole Blue 68 · 05-26-2006, 12:15 PM

Thanks Jim, I just checked it out and it looks pretty easy. The only thing is I'd have to figure out a way to pop that rivet on the crossmember without a torch or grinder.

toddtheodd · 05-26-2006, 01:03 PM

I used a sawzall to cut the heads of the rivets off, and a mini sledge hammer and a punch to knock the rivet out.
Toad

Orange · 05-26-2006, 01:17 PM

I agree, it's a very simple straight forward install. No reason why you couldn't do it with the tool you most likely have a few hours of work. It was one of my more favorite projects.

Now, I just have to do the rear.

Ole Blue 68 · 05-26-2006, 01:21 PM

Alright, no sawzall either but I'm sure I can find something to take care of that rivet....

I got a rotozip and I think they sell a metal cutting wheel attachment. That should work don't you think?

Lippyp · 05-26-2006, 01:35 PM

I drilled the rivets out, centre punch the head, start with a small drill and work your way up to a big un and then BFH and chisel and off it pops and then just punch it through. I followed TXfirefighters writeup and also used the ECE lifted brackets as they brackets mine came with had seen a few kerbs in their time and had been welded up here and there. Swaybar came off a mid 80's wrecker that someone was breaking over here that I think started life as a camper so is about the thickest you can get. Took me an hour or two to mount up from start to finish.

Aarons72s · 05-27-2006, 08:53 PM

I used a rotozip to get the rivet head off of a cab mount with the cab still on the frame. Then I just drilled it out. I hope this helps. good luck.

Longhorn Man · 05-27-2006, 09:32 PM

You could rent a grinder at an equipment store or a trailer (not u-haul) rental or mower reantal type place.

Longhorn Man · 05-27-2006, 09:33 PM

Or, you could get a cheap one from harbor freight. I think they have them for like 20 bucks ort something, and it may even last long enough to finish the job. (it falls in there total junk tool catigory, but if it makes it through the job, then it was money sorta-well spent)

57sailplane · 05-27-2006, 10:18 PM

3 lbs hammer and chisel. chisel head off rivet.. then a hole punch drive the rest trough.. i used this process to take the drums off the hub..

cableguy0 · 05-27-2006, 10:30 PM

i bought a harbor freight angle grinder for like 15 bucks on sale and havent been able to kill it. i purposely abused it to see if i could kill it because i got the warranty on it and it keeps on tickin.

Longhorn Man · 05-27-2006, 10:50 PM

Wow, I killed 2 of them, both the first time used.
They were both purchased at a yard sdale, so there's no tellin what was up with them... but they wqere both unused though.

05-26-2006, 11:16 AM	#1
Ole Blue 68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 1,140	Front Sway Bar? I'm just about done with the engine so I'm starting to look at the suspension and steering. My first thought is to install a front sway bar but considering my 68 doesn't have one on it already, how hard is it to put one on? Can it be done out of my garage with hand tools?

05-26-2006, 12:06 PM	#2
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Front Sway Bar? It's an easy job. TxFirefighter did a nice writeup in FAQ on this topic. __________________ 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

05-26-2006, 12:15 PM	#3
Ole Blue 68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 1,140	Re: Front Sway Bar? Thanks Jim, I just checked it out and it looks pretty easy. The only thing is I'd have to figure out a way to pop that rivet on the crossmember without a torch or grinder.

05-26-2006, 01:03 PM	#4
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	Re: Front Sway Bar? I used a sawzall to cut the heads of the rivets off, and a mini sledge hammer and a punch to knock the rivet out. Toad __________________ "The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters." Ghengis Khan IIOY???

05-26-2006, 01:17 PM	#5
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Front Sway Bar? I agree, it's a very simple straight forward install. No reason why you couldn't do it with the tool you most likely have a few hours of work. It was one of my more favorite projects. Now, I just have to do the rear. __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.

05-26-2006, 01:21 PM	#6
Ole Blue 68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 1,140	Re: Front Sway Bar? Alright, no sawzall either but I'm sure I can find something to take care of that rivet.... I got a rotozip and I think they sell a metal cutting wheel attachment. That should work don't you think? Last edited by Ole Blue 68; 05-26-2006 at 01:36 PM.

05-26-2006, 01:35 PM	#7
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: Front Sway Bar? I drilled the rivets out, centre punch the head, start with a small drill and work your way up to a big un and then BFH and chisel and off it pops and then just punch it through. I followed TXfirefighters writeup and also used the ECE lifted brackets as they brackets mine came with had seen a few kerbs in their time and had been welded up here and there. Swaybar came off a mid 80's wrecker that someone was breaking over here that I think started life as a camper so is about the thickest you can get. Took me an hour or two to mount up from start to finish. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

05-27-2006, 08:53 PM	#8
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,670	Re: Front Sway Bar? I used a rotozip to get the rivet head off of a cab mount with the cab still on the frame. Then I just drilled it out. I hope this helps. good luck.

05-27-2006, 09:32 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Front Sway Bar? You could rent a grinder at an equipment store or a trailer (not u-haul) rental or mower reantal type place.

05-27-2006, 09:33 PM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Front Sway Bar? Or, you could get a cheap one from harbor freight. I think they have them for like 20 bucks ort something, and it may even last long enough to finish the job. (it falls in there total junk tool catigory, but if it makes it through the job, then it was money sorta-well spent)

05-27-2006, 10:18 PM	#11
57sailplane Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nebraska Posts: 583	Re: Front Sway Bar? 3 lbs hammer and chisel. chisel head off rivet.. then a hole punch drive the rest trough.. i used this process to take the drums off the hub.. Last edited by 57sailplane; 05-27-2006 at 10:19 PM.

05-27-2006, 10:30 PM	#12
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Front Sway Bar? i bought a harbor freight angle grinder for like 15 bucks on sale and havent been able to kill it. i purposely abused it to see if i could kill it because i got the warranty on it and it keeps on tickin. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

05-27-2006, 10:50 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Front Sway Bar? Wow, I killed 2 of them, both the first time used. They were both purchased at a yard sdale, so there's no tellin what was up with them... but they wqere both unused though.



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