Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
04-12-2018, 10:54 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: GA
Posts: 1,313
|
66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I am not that familiar with the mechanics of the truck I have dismantled for restoration, just trying to take it apart and make it nicer as I get to putting things back. Im not wanting to do anything all that tricky just put it back but where I can improve things I will. The inclusion of sway bars has been an interest but Im unsure of which type to purchase and what may need modification. There is also a trac bar that was on the truck that needs a replacement I think. The rubber bushings in the trac bar are all dry rotted and cracked and I didnt know if the type of bar I have is something to replace entirely or replace bushings on it. Ill post a pic of what it looked like before the tear down.
So is there a sway bar recommendation anyone has for this 66? And is the trac bar I have replaceable? |
04-12-2018, 02:57 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,483
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I bought an adjustable one from Summit Racing, and it worked great. Felt much better than the stock one especially after the stock one split in half while I was driving. Felt like drifting without losing traction due to the body swinging back and forth while the wheels stayed straight lol
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
04-13-2018, 08:13 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I don't run a rear sway bar but I did go to the Early Classics super track bar that goes over to the trailing arm. It does make a difference on the feel of the truck. Has your truck got a front bar and what other plans for the suspension do you have?
Jimmy
__________________
60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic |
04-13-2018, 09:14 AM | #4 | ||
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: GA
Posts: 1,313
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Quote:
Quote:
Along the way I took pics of every bolt i removed just about so I would know how to put it all back together. Somethings I didnt sandblast due to the wear and figured Id need some new stuff. The front sway bar was the only modification to the way it was I had thought about, but if there some other things big improvement ideas a newbie can do that wont be too tricky or break the bank Im open to suggestions. |
||
04-13-2018, 09:24 AM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: GA
Posts: 1,313
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Here is a pic of what it looked like during the tear down
|
04-13-2018, 11:22 AM | #6 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,483
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Quote:
If you are planning to do any type of lowering, the adjustable trac bar is probably a good thing to get that way you can get the axle centered at whatever ride height you go for.
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
|
04-19-2018, 06:33 PM | #7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 10
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Quote:
|
|
04-19-2018, 08:16 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,483
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I honestly do not remember what the part number was. I installed it well over a year ago, and I am currently 2 and a half hours away from the truck at college. IIRC, the bar was 24" and it was adjustable on both ends.
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
09-17-2019, 06:03 PM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: GA
Posts: 1,313
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Been a while on this but on the search for a track bar replacement for the one I have in the original pic in the 1st post.
For a standard height/stock is there a track bar I should search for? I saw this one when searching summit, but it says lowered coil spring suspensions only. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clp-6572datb Ive tried Classic Parts and only see a conversion kit. I dont know if they still make bushings for the one I have even if I wanted to go to the trouble of sandblasting it. |
09-17-2019, 06:18 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,483
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I think that was the same one that I used on mine. I never went back to check on what the part number was that I used though
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
09-17-2019, 07:28 PM | #11 |
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: China Spring, TX
Posts: 7,280
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Performance on Line also sells them.
__________________
Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats? |
09-18-2019, 07:16 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Anderson SC
Posts: 3,896
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
An 80's F150 rear sway bar is 95% bolt on, the metal brake lines on the axle need to be bent slightly to clear it, and you'll have to make brackets to bolt the end links to the frame. Much cheaper and better fitting than the aftermarket sway bars.
__________________
Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc |
09-18-2019, 08:18 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,483
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Any more info on the F150 bar? I wouldn't be completely against running a ford part on my rust bucket if it performs well
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
09-18-2019, 09:23 PM | #14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary Alberta
Posts: 1,167
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I'd straighten it out and put in some replacement bushings. If the track bar breaks it will be on the ends so don't mess with that. I don't think you can get original bushings but these might work. I've got some on order for my truck.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+bushing,10416 |
09-18-2019, 09:27 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Anderson SC
Posts: 3,896
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
All I know is that I bought an 8.8 axle off craigslist and it supposedly came from an 80's F150. And that the guys I bought it from thought I was crazy for loading it on the roof rack on my mint Conquest TSi
I've been meaning to check out the F150s at LKQ to see if I can find another.
__________________
Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc |
09-18-2019, 11:02 PM | #16 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,483
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Quote:
Do you know what diameter the bar is? Also, does it perform well with the front bar that you have?
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
|
09-19-2019, 10:18 AM | #17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: central California
Posts: 2,752
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I bought the same kind of bar as in post #2 from Early Classic Enterprises. Summit is great, when you know exactly what you want, but sometimes it's worth it to pay a few more bucks to buy from people who are actually involved in the classic truck hobby.
|
09-19-2019, 12:39 PM | #18 | ||
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: GA
Posts: 1,313
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Quote:
Quote:
The sway bar will be a future addition, just bought some belltech shocks for replacements to the oldies along with much more to come, so Im trying to control the wallet hemorrhaging. |
||
09-20-2019, 07:04 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
One other option is to put the ECE super track bar on it or any of the other long bars that go to the trailing arm. It does a lot to lower the roll center and makes a big change in the rear roll.
Jimmy
__________________
60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic |
09-20-2019, 07:44 AM | #20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Cambridge, Ontario
Posts: 34
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
The PO of my truck put on this trac bar: http://pbfab.com/63-72-fully-adjustable-trac-bar
I can't really comment on how good it is yet since I'm not on the road but just thought I'd send out the option for ya.
__________________
Check out my 66 C10 build here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=546694 Look here, I also built a canoe: http://stevescedarstripcanoe.blogspot.com/ |
09-20-2019, 01:31 PM | #21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I have front and rear sway bars on a 70 and 60. Also have adjustable track bars on both. On the 60, the track bar bolts to a bracket on the opposite side trailing arm and then to the frame bracket. On the 70, its just a replacement one at the factory locations.
I also have a 64 impala and the best thing I did was a adjustable track bar. Nice to be able to center the wheels in the wheelwells.
__________________
"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
09-21-2019, 05:02 PM | #22 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Anderson SC
Posts: 3,896
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
I didn't measure it and I don't have the truck anymore, but it worked well with the CPP front bar, at least for a daily driver that you're not autocrossing. The front tires rubbed the fender when cornering hard so I never really pushed it hard enough to see how well it was balanced at the limit of grip. Felt great for daily use though. Moving the rear shocks outboard of the frame helps tremendously too, I'd do that before adding a sway bar.
__________________
Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc |
09-22-2019, 01:55 PM | #23 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,483
|
Re: 66 rear axle, sway bar, suspension questions
Quote:
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
|
Bookmarks |
|
|