Sway bar thickness handling differences...

[Steeveedee]

I don't know what the stock bar for my truck is, but it used to be fine, even after putting the taller cabover camper shell on. Handling went south when I had to put Firestone Trans-Force tires on it, because Michelin doesn't make the 16.5" wheel size tires my truck takes. It has an uncomfortable amount of oversteer with the Firestone tires, even with 10 psi more in the rear tires. I guess I could experiment more with tire pressures. That would cost less than a stabilizer from Hellwig.

[Ellensbrother]

HO455, You bring up a good point about the Suburban (and maybe the G-Van) potentially as another junkyard source for the stabilizer bar. When I get my parts book I will see what it indicates about interchange with the C10 and post that info. What is the outside diameter of your Suburban stabilizer bar, by the way?

[HO455]

Originally Posted by Ellensbrother

HO455, You bring up a good point about the Suburban (and maybe the G-Van) potentially as another junkyard source for the stabilizer bar. When I get my parts book I will see what it indicates about interchange with the C10 and post that info. What is the outside diameter of your Suburban stabilizer bar, by the way?

It's 1-1/4".

[Ellensbrother]

As promised, here is more information on the heavier factory OEM stabilizer bar that should bolt on to a 1967-1972 C10 using all four original mounts. Using the parts manual for 1973-1978 Trucks, the GM part number 334583 is listed as the heavy duty stabilizer shaft for 1973-1978 C20 and C30. For completeness, a few more notes: The stabilizer bar for 4WD has a different shape than 2WD to clear the front differential. Also, I plan to replace the bushings using new ones (1.25") from Energy Suspension, Prothane, or Moog. Am seeing all of these bushing options available on Amazon. Am hoping this reference helps others.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by Ellensbrother

As promised, here is more information on the heavier factory OEM stabilizer bar that should bolt on to a 1967-1972 C10 using all four original mounts. Using the parts manual for 1973-1978 Trucks, the GM part number 334583 is listed as the heavy duty stabilizer shaft for 1973-1978 C20 and C30. For completeness, a few more notes: The stabilizer bar for 4WD has a different shape than 2WD to clear the front differential. Also, I plan to replace the bushings using new ones (1.25") from Energy Suspension, Prothane, or Moog. Am seeing all of these bushing options available on Amazon. Am hoping this reference helps others.

I've used the Energy Suspension ones on my trucks and used the included lube and have never have had a squeak..

[KQQL IT]

Red urethane- racecar...

AhhaHa

[RichardJ]

When I added a 1 1/16" bar to my 2500 back in the '90s, it did reduce the body roll, but by how much is difficult to recall. In the 2000's, I swapped it for a 1 1/4" bar and it does take corners and off-ramps much flatter than the smaller bar.

I'm reluctant to use the word "handling", when talking about a truck. I guess if you have a short-half lowered to car height with wide, low profile, sticky tires and have the weight under 3000# you could.

Oh well, people do what they like to do with their cars

[RichardJ]

>>Firestone Trans-Force tires...................16.5" wheel size tires my truck takes. It has an uncomfortable amount of oversteer with the Firestone tires, even with 10 psi more in the rear tires.<<

Unless you were starting with under inflated tires, the extra pressure WOULD increase oversteer.
I know several that use the Trans-Force truck tire and I have them on my class-C motorhome. It's a high mileage highway truck tire.

If you noticed oversteer with the new tire, you should have dropped the pressure. I never go even close to the 80#, unless I expect to be hauling something really heavy.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

>>Firestone Trans-Force tires...................16.5" wheel size tires my truck takes. It has an uncomfortable amount of oversteer with the Firestone tires, even with 10 psi more in the rear tires.<<

Unless you were starting with under inflated tires, the extra pressure WOULD increase oversteer.
I know several that use the Trans-Force truck tire and I have them on my class-C motorhome. It's a high mileage highway truck tire.

If you noticed oversteer with the new tire, you should have dropped the pressure. I never go even close to the 80#, unless I expect to be hauling something really heavy.

Started out new with 70 in the rear and 60 in the front.

[Ellensbrother]

Attached is a reference diagram being used to find the sought-after part, whether it be Aftermarket, OEM-new/NOS, or junkyard. The earlier diagram was updated to specify 'stock height'.

[Ellensbrother]

Here is more on the search for this part in case it helps others: The systematic search for an aftermarket part has not borne fruit. Specific steps taken include a) web searches using both 1967-1972 and 1973-1978 Chevrolet/GMC model series; b) consulting this forum, of course c) consulting technical contacts at these sellers: CPP, Summit, CJ Pony Parts; Brothers/Holley. Have made an inquiry at GM Service Parts and awaiting a response. Checked eBay for used parts, which of course could prove fruitful, but has not yet. Next step is to reach out to the Salvage/Used Market. Will provide further updates when we have more results/conclusions to share.

[binford]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Just look for a 73-87 1.25" OE front bar. They're very common under 3/4 & 1-ton trucks.

Awesome info thanks

I can set a search with pickNpull and it will notify me when it is set in the yard.
Don't ever see suburban's of that vintage anymore.

Now if the weather would cooperate!!

[70STOVEBOLT]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I don't know why the heck I couldn't get it at Hellwig's site, but could find it by the link to sdtrucksprings. Same part number! I got into a chat with someone but they were taking so long to respond to my question about fitment on my truck, since it has a 1T frame, I cancelled out- had to go give the dogs their lunch. I'm betting that the frame widths and so forth are the same, but I'm going to verify that before I order a bar. I was sort of hoping that there might be some variation in sizes, but it appears that there is only one part number.

This is off-topic, but I see in your signature, your gear ratio is 3.56? Is that correct or is it a typo?

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

This is off-topic, but I see in your signature, your gear ratio is 3.56? Is that correct or is it a typo?

Yes. That's the standard ratio when a 400 engine and 400 trans are ordered.