sway bar pics needed.

[nu2-72]

I need pics and details on installing a sway bar on a 72 3/4 4x4.
I have just placed the front axle back under the frame and would like to mount a bar.
I have brackets from a later truck, the bar. bushings and axle pads. The brackets simply do not fit the frame because of several issues.
How did you do it?

[Billhilly]

Don't know what parts he (kbracing96) used but this is one of the few I have seen on a 4X4. He also used a 'link' onto the diff which makes the whole thing 'work'.

[special-K]

There`s one installed on my GMC by the previous owner.I`ll get a picture by tomorrow after the rain stops.

Here`s one shot.He just bolted c-channel across the rails.

[nu2-72]

These are the brackets that I have and Billsbowtie has a thread with the correct ones?

[BLAZERMAN]

Kevin, I found the article that BoobyK did on his brackets he made for his K-5 but for some reason pics arent showing up. Maybe he will see this and post some..they came out really nice.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=140216

[Billhilly]

These are a couple of pictures I saved of Bobby K's work. Here's the link to ORD's Disconnects.... http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/swaybarkit.htm

[nu2-72]

I looked at all the pictures and although none show factory brackets in use, I like some of them. Thanks to Bobby K. for sending me his pics. And I like the idea special-k showed of channel.
So, I decided to make my own. The plan was this.
I was concerned about bobby's mounted to the crossmember only and did not personally like the channel look. But I really like the idea of using the frame as a more solid platform and using the crossmember for additional bracing.
Bobby's looked great ( his welds looked very good) and the finished product is almost not noticible. I like the idea that something has been done but you must look to find it.
But I also like the look that a Company might give to an aftermarket product (say if Skyjacker were to do it).
So I decided to custom bend a modified channel. I removed the rivets from the lower crossmember locations and the rivets from the core support/spring mount.
My channel will use grade 8 bolts in these 4 locations. I contoured the flange to match the crossmember. Last I will lay out a series of holes to 1) lighten the channel and 2) give drain locations and 3) give a modern perforated look.
Here is my start.
And gentlemen, there is nothing wrong with your work. I have taken ideas from everyone and done my own thing. Thanks for your help.

[nu2-72]

one from the top.

[nu2-72]

oops

[BLAZERMAN]

Looks good Kevin, it should do the job. And Man! I love that galvanized frame.

[nu2-72]

Thanks Rob.
Since the weight of the vehicle will be setting on the sway bar and all loads will be in an upward force, I decided to place my mount under the frame. This way the stress is not on the bolts but spread out over the channel when the sway bar tries to twist. While there will be some stress on the rear bolts during this, I may add tabs and tie into the factory crossmember like Bobby and the factory did. That would make two bolts straight pull force and two bolts shear force. I doubt if I would ever break 4 grade 8 bolts even at 3/8".
But I think by having two 90 degree legs and two additional flanges should make it extremely stout.
Now do I galvanize it or paint it Black?
I am bead blasting it today and will post another pic when that is done.

[nu2-72]

Here is my final design on the new bracket/crossbrace. After a few hours of blasting this morning, I drilled several holes to drop weight and give it a more modern look.
What do you think now?
I will remount it later today and take pics on the frame.

[nu2-72]

I mounted the assembly together to see what it looks like and I think I will like it.
You decide.

[nu2-72]

more

[nu2-72]

last one

[special-K]

That`s beautiful.Should do the trick,too.