69 c20 sway bar

[mountainsurfer]

OK, I know this probably has been beaten to death before, but I haven't found the answer. Has anyone succesfuly installed an ADDCO 117 front sway bar?

Thanks

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by mountainsurfer

OK, I know this probably has been beaten to death before, but I haven't found the answer. Has anyone succesfuly installed an ADDCO 117 front sway bar?

Thanks

Are you having a specific problem you need help with?

[mountainsurfer]

Doesn't seem to fit the application, or I'm not seeing the whole picture. They say it's the correct bar. Hoping that some one else has installed one.

[SCOTI]

I haven't installed an Addco bar on these trucks but have done several using the factory GM 3/4-ton & 1-ton swap bar. Maybe post up pics of where you're having an issue. Someone might shed light on the problem.

[lolife99]

The 117 bar has end links.
You will need to attach the "L" brackets to the lower a-arms.
This gives you a mounting point for the end link.

[mountainsurfer]

Got that part OK. Where the bar attaches to the frame, it is curved up and will not mount flat. There seems to have something missing, yet the say all the components are there.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by mountainsurfer

Got that part OK. Where the bar attaches to the frame, it is curved up and will not mount flat. There seems to have something missing, yet the say all the components are there.

Does your truck have the factory frame stands?
If it's lowered,... you don't need the stands,... just bolt it to the frame.

[mountainsurfer]

No, it's not lowered, and the stands are not there and were not included in the kit. The frame stands are what would be needed.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by mountainsurfer

No, it's not lowered, and the stands are not there and were not included in the kit. The frame stands are what would be needed.

The frame stands are riveted to the frame.
When you install them you will have to remove one existing rivet from your frame and drill the other hole per frame rail.
(IF I remember correctly)
Go to a salvage yard and see what you can find.
A battery sawzall will work to quickly cut the frame sections out.
Then you can then take your time and carefully grind the rivets out on your workbench at home.

Sometimes you can find them on the parts board.
Member teeitup would be a good source for these.

[mountainsurfer]

Thanks, all. I think I have a handle on it now. I'll locate the missing brackets somewhere and finish the job.

[mountainsurfer]

Well, here is an update on my sway bar problem. I contacted John W at Addco and sent pics and stated my non fitting issue. He tried to help, but I just think it was beyond his capability. Long story short...I've got $160 boat anchor. Guess I'll look at other manufacturers. Thanks all for your help.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by mountainsurfer

Well, here is an update on my sway bar problem. I contacted John W at Addco and sent pics and stated my non fitting issue. He tried to help, but I just think it was beyond his capability. Long story short...I've got $160 boat anchor. Guess I'll look at other manufacturers. Thanks all for your help.

What exactly is the issue w/installing the bar? It seemed as though you were only missing the brackets/stands that are part of the frame. Is there more to it?

I don't know of any manufacturers that include the frame stands w/their sway bars. I believe ECE sells a 'custom' shorter version of the factory bracket.

[mountainsurfer]

I guess I was mostly bummed that Addco would sell a bar with not all the necs parts to install it properly. The small blocks mostly did not come with a bar from the factory. I have found some manufacturers that include the bracket. Chevy does not produce it anymore, but can be found at some dealers, but for a large price. CPP has a bar with the brakets, and Chevy Car Parts sell the braket alone. Hate to buy them and then not have it fit correctly because of another manufacturer.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by mountainsurfer

I guess I was mostly bummed that Addco would sell a bar with not all the necs parts to install it properly. The small blocks mostly did not come with a bar from the factory. I have found some manufacturers that include the bracket. Chevy does not produce it anymore, but can be found at some dealers, but for a large price. CPP has a bar with the brakets, and Chevy Car Parts sell the braket alone. Hate to buy them and then not have it fit correctly because of another manufacturer.

Like I stated.... besides CPP, most mfr's don't include the frame stands w/the bar unless they're needed specifically to install their bar. Become a supporting member here on the site & submit a WTB ad (want to buy) in the parts classifieds for some used factory frame stands.

On my trucks w/5" minimum front drop, I didn't use them @ all & bolted the bar directly to the frame rails. never had a problem installed that way but I don't know how well it would work @ stock height or milder drops.