Ride improvement with front sway bar (on road)

[budman k20]

Hi,

I am planning to put a 73 up front sway bar on my 72 C20 4X4 and would like to hear opinions from others who have done this update on the improved handling etc.

Thanks

[msgross]

special-k has one on his 72 GMC.... I would think that body roll would be less, which would show in turning and curvy roads..

[chevy71super]

I added a mid 70's sway bar to my71 but its hard to say how much it helped. I went from 32" BFG all terrains to 35" BFG mud terrains at the same time. Overall I would say it was worth it because it seems to track well on the road inspite of runnng mud tires on the street. Doug

[special-K]

A 4wd C/20 is a K/20,just to get that straight.My`72 had one put on it when I bought it.I`ve had later GMs with them from factory.I`ve had a batch of 67/72s without them.I don`t see them doing much.I can`t tell the difference.Honestly,I`ve added rear ones and can`t tell the difference.I don`t think they benefit solid axles much at all.That don`t tend to roll by nature of design.Sway bars started as an independent suspension enhancement.I`ve never seen body roll as an issue in a leaf spring/solid axle 4wd,unless my shocks were shot.
For an example,I had a K2600 GMC and a K/20 Chevy,both`72s,at the same time.The K/20 had new Z-Ride springs and gas shocks all around.I love the solid firm,yet not too bouncy ride and how it cornered.The K2500 is all original suspension,tired shocks,and a sway bar.I hate driving it.It rolls and pitches like a boat.A sway bar will never do for you what a good set of shocks will on one of these trucks.My K2500 was used for 5th wheel hauling and had many features added to enhance it`s specific use.I`m sure a sway bar would be beneficial to a bigger degree with a hungus trailer in tow.Especially in an emergency stop or when getting out of shape...extreme circumstances.

[msgross]

It would probably make a difference if you had a bed mounted camper... it would also have a greater impacy on a 1/2 ton more than a 3/4, which is already stiffer form the spring packs.

I'm adding one to my K-10, just because...

[budman k20]

Hey Special K ,
I used to always refer to a 4x4 chevy as a K whatever (notice my user name!) but the 67-72 trucks did not use a K on their badges as far as I know. So which description do you think is more correct for 67-72 trucks "C20 4X4" or K20? FYI...I always call my truck a K20 at the parts store! Also thanks for your input on ride improvement. I have all new shocks springs and bushings now, but before when I actually drove the thing on 235 75 16 tires and original suspension with 100K it did not ride or handle well at all! Now I have a 2in lift (all spring) and will be running a larger and wider tire I figured I will need all the help I can get.

[Oilbrnr]

I have the ORD 'quick' disconnect on my bar in the K5. There is a big difference in handling on pavement at higher speeds with and without it connected. Granted, I am running TC springs and a rear shackle flip, so it will be softer than a 3/4 ton.

[liftmeup]

maybe he had a older k20 at one time witch sported the c20 badges weird but true

[special-K]

Originally Posted by budman k20

Hey Special K ,
I used to always refer to a 4x4 chevy as a K whatever (notice my user name!) but the 67-72 trucks did not use a K on their badges as far as I know. So which description do you think is more correct for 67-72 trucks "C20 4X4" or K20? FYI...I always call my truck a K20 at the parts store! Also thanks for your input on ride improvement. I have all new shocks springs and bushings now, but before when I actually drove the thing on 235 75 16 tires and original suspension with 100K it did not ride or handle well at all! Now I have a 2in lift (all spring) and will be running a larger and wider tire I figured I will need all the help I can get.

All GM factory 4wds are K-models.It`s in the VIN.The badges have nothing to do with it.They refer to trim level/model.Only the 69/70s used the C/10,C/20,C/30 as a designate.That`s just the base model name.They just made it confusing those two years.Rather than just badging as 10,20,and 30 like in 67/68 they promoted the C-series against the F-series Fords.Fords are funky as usual and have nothing in the model to indicate 2wd from 4wd.They are F250s or F250 4wds.Dodge exploited the Power Wagon name and also called them W-series as opposed to D-series.GM base models in 71/72 were badged as Custom models.I guess technically if you have a 69/70 3/4t base model 4wd it would be a C/20 K/20,a mid level would be a Custom K/20,and a top of the line a CST K/20.If you reverse it that doesn`t matter.We all now what is meant.I say it both ways.No rhyme or reason.
I always call mine a K/20 at the parts store,too.That`s what it is,right?So many times I then get asked,"Is it a 2wd or 4wd" and I tell them,"like I said,it`s a 4wd".I get a funny look.Then they ask,"Is it a 1/2 or 3/4t?" I answer, "3/4t,like I said".The look again.Then,I explain,"You see,a K/20 is a 4wd 3/4t.That`s what my truck is."