sway bars vs no sway bars

[psycotruckr]

I am working on a 66 panel, I have replaced every thing in the suspension, new rubber, went to 3/4 ton springs, shocks etc to like new specs. the truck rides like a heavy truck is supposed to as this was the goal. My question is how much difference do the factory sway bars make in the handling of the truck. The truck is used as a daily driver and in the near future will pull a heavy travel trailer. Will the sway bars really justify the expence of adding them?

[blackedoutharley]

I know that the Helwig unit on my '65 C-10 really helped when the cabover camper was on the truck (with new springs installed as well).

To me it was very much worth the investment (which was minimal). I also installed a front bar from a later model C-20 that I got from a wrecking yard.

[Southcity]

Originally Posted by psycotruckr

Will the sway bars really justify the expense of adding them?

Yes, especially since you went through all the trouble of replacing all those suspension parts, why not compliment it with a factory (you can buy a used one to save some money) or after market sway bar. I do not think there is one person on this board that will disagree that the addition of a sway bar does not improve the handling and ride of these trucks, particularly if you use Poly bushings vs. rubber bushings.

[Chevy Fleetside]

[TR65]

Hey Psyco,

Check post #14 in this thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=322228

TR

[bubba327]

My truck had a lot of push and roll even with a completely new front crossmember and all new front end components and new tires.
The sway bar I added came off a '73 heavy 1/2 ton from the wrecking yard, I think it cost me $15.00. Made a tremendous improvement and very inexpensive at that.
I changed the sway bay on my Chevelle from the 7/8" stock bar to a Addco 1-1/4"bar and that also made a world of difference.
I believe in front sway bars, they let you corner flat instead of the nose dive and roll. Just put it on.

[skoffice]

Would you guys recommend the Poly bushings or the OE style rubber ones? The reason I ask is because I have Poly Energy ones on my DD Jeep and they squeek a little.

[bubba327]

I liked the rubber ones because the wrecking yard is full of them and most are in good shape and they were included with the sway bar. I grabbed several and used the best ones.

[psycotruckr]

I thank you all for the replies. I think I will track down a used one and see how it goes. A rear sway bar will wait till I strat pulling my trailer so I can see before and after better. thanks again

[blackmopar]

is there a year range of front/rear sway bars that fit on 64-66 trucks? for instance, will a 67 bar work on a 64?

hit me if Ive missed this somewhere

[blackedoutharley]

I know that the front bar on my '65 came off of a '73-'85 (or there abouts) truck with the brackets and I only had to drill one hole on the frame rail. The others all lined up fine including the lower control arms.

[blackmopar]

cool - shoulda said, some dude here local is selling a 67 for cheap - wondering should that just bolt up to 64-66?

thru reading im gathering that 73-85 is the way to go outta junk yard for cheap, huh? are they stock on the later model trucks or option? meaning will every clapped out 83 silverado (sorry lurky 83 silverado owners) have one - if it aint been ganked that is? or just tow pkgs, etc?

[DPowers]

Great info here-

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=72338

[blackmopar]

thanks DPowers

[Rich 5150 69]

You can use everything up to and including a one ton sway bar, 1 and 13/16, just be sure to get the a-arm brackets.