stabilizer bars - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hank · 09-15-2003, 10:42 PM

someone told me this weekend that stabilizer bars did wonders for his handling on his '70 chevy.

does anyone else recommend this? is it a hard job?

lukecp · 09-15-2003, 10:45 PM

Everyone i know that has put one on said they make a huge differnce. I dont have one yet but i plan to install one soon.

It isn't a hard job. You need to locate a front sway bar first. Any bar from a '67-87 1/2 ton through 1 ton truck will work. I would look for a beefy 1-1/4" thick bar off of a 1 ton if possible. The bigger the bar, the bigger the difference. It should be easy to come by at any salvage yard.

Longhorn Man · 09-15-2003, 10:52 PM

night and day.
My GMC feels liek the door handles are about to smack the pavement if I corner above 25MPH, but the old 70 loghorn I used to have (which sat quite a bit higher) felt flat and stable in corners. I was once told that the front tires looked like they were about to roll off the rims. I know that guy liked to exadurate, but it sounds good.

Hooter · 09-16-2003, 01:46 AM

adding just a front stabalizer makes a world of difference. I reccomend finding a camper special 73-80 chev truck with the inch and a half front swaybar. in the rear there are kits avaliable from the aftermarket if you have trailing arms. I have also seen people adopt rear sway bar set-ups from 2nd gen firebirds and camaros

dubie · 09-16-2003, 11:09 AM

I picked one up at a local yard for $20 and that included all the mountings as well. I haven't installed it yet but I will be doing so before my truck gets back on the road

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 09-16-2003, 11:29 AM

It’s the best improvement for the money by far

1971 Cheyenne · 09-16-2003, 12:55 PM

hmmmmm, I have a dilema on my hands

I have the stock 1 1/16 inch away bar in my ride. I just bought new bushings and straps for it from early classic.

I have this 73 camper special that has the 1.5 inch sway bar and i'm sure it would be ok if i jacked it from that truck.

You guys think it would be worth the extra hassle to go for the bigger one???

I'd have to selll the old bushings and straps, and by new ones for this sway bar.

**phase_one** · 09-16-2003, 01:11 PM

Hey 1971 cheyenne What does the mounting kit you bought go for? Or if you decide to see what will yours go for? I'm looking for a kit for that size sway bar.

1971 Cheyenne · 09-16-2003, 01:26 PM

I bought it from Early Classic Enterprises.

It cost me 29.00 and includes new bushings, new straps, and all the bolts required to mount the sway bar.

I'm not sure how much I would sell it for IF I do decide to go with the bigger bar. Less, i'm sure...

'71

72c10step · 09-16-2003, 08:12 PM

Do the 73-87 bars bolt in with no mods or problems? Do you have to use 73-87 mounting hardware, or can you use 67-72 hardware? What do I need and what should I replace when I put one in my truck? I don't have any mounting brackets on the frame, because mine never came with a bar on it. Can I use 73-87 brackets, or do I need the 67-72 brackets, and where can I get them? Sorry for all the questions, just would like to know what to look for in the yards.

Lobo'74 · 09-16-2003, 09:26 PM

My '67 came with BIG anti-sway bars front and rear. The last owner put 'em on when he put in the rebuilt '79 350. Don't know what it handled like before, but I'm purdy impressed with it now. Hardly any body roll in corners. My 16 year old wants some on his '88 volvo now. Hey, no cracks about the volvo. Its the perfect teenage car. 4 cyl, 4 speed auto, and it crushes well if needed.

Actually, he wants a truck too, but he likes '69 and up.

Tx Firefighter · 09-16-2003, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 72c10step
Do the 73-87 bars bolt in with no mods or problems? Do you have to use 73-87 mounting hardware, or can you use 67-72 hardware? What do I need and what should I replace when I put one in my truck? I don't have any mounting brackets on the frame, because mine never came with a bar on it. Can I use 73-87 brackets, or do I need the 67-72 brackets, and where can I get them? Sorry for all the questions, just would like to know what to look for in the yards.

The 73-87 bar is a straight bolt on deal. The frame brackets are the same for your truck as well as 73-87s. You can buy them at the dealership for cheap if you need to, or Early Classics sells special ones for lowered trucks for 19.00 per pair. You will need to grind off the two rivets that are in the frame now and bolt the brackets on using the holes from the rivets.

72c10step · 09-17-2003, 11:07 AM

Thanks TX Firefighter! Now only if the weather was supposed to be good this weekend!

72c10step · 09-17-2003, 03:38 PM

Oh and a few more questions

. I doubt it, but is a 4x4 sway bar compatible, and also van sway bars, I saw a few in a yard recently, and they looked too tall and long, but aren't the suspensions the same?

Longhorn Man · 09-17-2003, 10:58 PM

I dunno about the 4X4...but the van is a no-go if memory serves.
I think the truck is wider.

Brad · 09-18-2003, 05:27 AM

Let me know if you're interested in the one in my signature.

72c10step · 09-18-2003, 11:29 AM

hank, sorry for hijacking the thread.

Brad, I'll keep it in mind. Right now I want to check the local yards, and *hopefully* find one of those nice big 1 1/2" bars from the camper specials.

hank · 09-18-2003, 11:47 AM

hey, no problem.

just sittin' back, readin' and learnin'.

thanks for all of the input, guys.

70short · 09-18-2003, 12:44 PM

YA! I am learning alot off this forum THANK YOU ALL

lewi · 09-18-2003, 12:55 PM

How about this other guys who read and learn, welcome to the club. I've been doing it for a few years on this board. finally registered last year when i had a a couple of qestions I hadn't found.

SCOTI · 09-18-2003, 05:37 PM

I've seen 1 1/4" HD bars & I even have one on my 74 that came from a 1 ton dually flatbed.... but I've never seen or heard of a 1 1/2" bar. Have I led a sheltered life?

Dusti · 09-18-2003, 08:23 PM

I have never seen 1-1/2" swaybar,I have a 1-3/16 bar that I'am going to put on my 3/4ton,It looks alot bigger than the 1-1/16 bar that was on it.
the parts that hold the bushings are only 2" wide that would not leave much room for the bushing,Maybe they use different hardware.

Bob W

09-15-2003, 10:42 PM	#1
hank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: texas, usa Posts: 194	stabilizer bars someone told me this weekend that stabilizer bars did wonders for his handling on his '70 chevy. does anyone else recommend this? is it a hard job?

09-15-2003, 10:45 PM	#2
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Everyone i know that has put one on said they make a huge differnce. I dont have one yet but i plan to install one soon. It isn't a hard job. You need to locate a front sway bar first. Any bar from a '67-87 1/2 ton through 1 ton truck will work. I would look for a beefy 1-1/4" thick bar off of a 1 ton if possible. The bigger the bar, the bigger the difference. It should be easy to come by at any salvage yard. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

09-16-2003, 01:46 AM	#4
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	adding just a front stabalizer makes a world of difference. I reccomend finding a camper special 73-80 chev truck with the inch and a half front swaybar. in the rear there are kits avaliable from the aftermarket if you have trailing arms. I have also seen people adopt rear sway bar set-ups from 2nd gen firebirds and camaros __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

09-16-2003, 11:09 AM	#5
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	I picked one up at a local yard for $20 and that included all the mountings as well. I haven't installed it yet but I will be doing so before my truck gets back on the road __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

09-16-2003, 11:29 AM	#6
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,111	It’s the best improvement for the money by far __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

09-15-2003, 10:52 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	night and day. My GMC feels liek the door handles are about to smack the pavement if I corner above 25MPH, but the old 70 loghorn I used to have (which sat quite a bit higher) felt flat and stable in corners. I was once told that the front tires looked like they were about to roll off the rims. I know that guy liked to exadurate, but it sounds good.

09-16-2003, 12:55 PM	#7
1971 Cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,480	hmmmmm, I have a dilema on my hands I have the stock 1 1/16 inch away bar in my ride. I just bought new bushings and straps for it from early classic. I have this 73 camper special that has the 1.5 inch sway bar and i'm sure it would be ok if i jacked it from that truck. You guys think it would be worth the extra hassle to go for the bigger one??? I'd have to selll the old bushings and straps, and by new ones for this sway bar. __________________ Brian Pal 1971 Cheyenne 10 454/th400-Undergoing a full frame off resto. 1972 Chevy short/step 2wd, 350/th350 1983 M1009 CUCV Military K5 Blazer 1981 Dodge 1 ton 4x4 dually flatbed

09-16-2003, 01:11 PM	#8
phase_one Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Praireville. LA 70769 Posts: 390	Hey 1971 cheyenne What does the mounting kit you bought go for? Or if you decide to see what will yours go for? I'm looking for a kit for that size sway bar. __________________ 11 Surbaban 70 C 10 still in progress

09-16-2003, 01:26 PM	#9
1971 Cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,480	I bought it from Early Classic Enterprises. It cost me 29.00 and includes new bushings, new straps, and all the bolts required to mount the sway bar. I'm not sure how much I would sell it for IF I do decide to go with the bigger bar. Less, i'm sure... '71 __________________ Brian Pal 1971 Cheyenne 10 454/th400-Undergoing a full frame off resto. 1972 Chevy short/step 2wd, 350/th350 1983 M1009 CUCV Military K5 Blazer 1981 Dodge 1 ton 4x4 dually flatbed

09-16-2003, 08:12 PM	#10
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	Do the 73-87 bars bolt in with no mods or problems? Do you have to use 73-87 mounting hardware, or can you use 67-72 hardware? What do I need and what should I replace when I put one in my truck? I don't have any mounting brackets on the frame, because mine never came with a bar on it. Can I use 73-87 brackets, or do I need the 67-72 brackets, and where can I get them? Sorry for all the questions, just would like to know what to look for in the yards. __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

09-16-2003, 09:26 PM	#11
Lobo'74 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 404	Anti-sway Bars My '67 came with BIG anti-sway bars front and rear. The last owner put 'em on when he put in the rebuilt '79 350. Don't know what it handled like before, but I'm purdy impressed with it now. Hardly any body roll in corners. My 16 year old wants some on his '88 volvo now. Hey, no cracks about the volvo. Its the perfect teenage car. 4 cyl, 4 speed auto, and it crushes well if needed. Actually, he wants a truck too, but he likes '69 and up. __________________ "Truck" '67 small window '79 350 .030 over, LT1 "clone"

09-17-2003, 11:07 AM	#13
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	Thanks TX Firefighter! Now only if the weather was supposed to be good this weekend! __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

09-17-2003, 03:38 PM	#14
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	Oh and a few more questions . I doubt it, but is a 4x4 sway bar compatible, and also van sway bars, I saw a few in a yard recently, and they looked too tall and long, but aren't the suspensions the same? __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

09-17-2003, 10:58 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I dunno about the 4X4...but the van is a no-go if memory serves. I think the truck is wider.

09-18-2003, 05:27 AM	#16
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Let me know if you're interested in the one in my signature. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...



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09-18-2003, 11:29 AM	#17
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	hank, sorry for hijacking the thread. Brad, I'll keep it in mind. Right now I want to check the local yards, and hopefully find one of those nice big 1 1/2" bars from the camper specials. __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

09-18-2003, 11:47 AM	#18
hank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: texas, usa Posts: 194	hey, no problem. just sittin' back, readin' and learnin'. thanks for all of the input, guys.

09-18-2003, 12:44 PM	#19
70short Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boise ID Posts: 609	YA! I am learning alot off this forum THANK YOU ALL __________________ "72" Red CORVETTE 4-speed 350 "70" Chevy Short Bed early stages of resto. Edel 600 cfm carb Weiand Stealth Intake HEI shorty Headers 4/2 Drop 295 50R 15 TOYO on 10 inch wide corvette rally rims at all 4 corners. "CHEVY RULES"

09-18-2003, 12:55 PM	#20
lewi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Redding California Posts: 223	How about this other guys who read and learn, welcome to the club. I've been doing it for a few years on this board. finally registered last year when i had a a couple of qestions I hadn't found. __________________ 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 383/350 LWB 2wd Built to use, and look good.

09-18-2003, 05:37 PM	#21
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	I've seen 1 1/4" HD bars & I even have one on my 74 that came from a 1 ton dually flatbed.... but I've never seen or heard of a 1 1/2" bar. Have I led a sheltered life? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

09-18-2003, 08:23 PM	#22
Dusti Not Dusti,just Bob Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Camas,Wa Posts: 247	I have never seen 1-1/2" swaybar,I have a 1-3/16 bar that I'am going to put on my 3/4ton,It looks alot bigger than the 1-1/16 bar that was on it. the parts that hold the bushings are only 2" wide that would not leave much room for the bushing,Maybe they use different hardware. Bob W __________________ 72 cheyenne super 1/2ton 89 camaro

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