47-59 Rear Sway Bar?

[MiraclePieCo]

I'm pondering the installation of a rear sway bar. Can anyone give me a "before and after" report if it will really make much difference? My truck handles terrific right now without one (better than my daily driver WITH sway bars); I'm skeptical it would make much difference. I'm running GM A-body Chevelle-type triangulated 4-link trailing arm type rear suspension.

[mr48chev]

If it is a 64/81 suspension with original dimensions the Monte Carlos came with a rear sway bar in some years or Models at least, the 75 Monte Carlo frame I swapped under my 51 Merc had a big fat front sway bar and a smaller rear one. I sold the car before I finished it but the guy who has it runs a 455 Olds in it and it is said to drive pretty sweet.

[nvrdone]

mpc: I would think that as top heavy as a panel is, a rear sway bar might be a big help. im going to install one in my pick up soon. there was some one on here that posted a Chevelle (?) sway bar on his pickup. might be some good info if you can find it.

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by nvrdone

there was some one on here that posted a Chevelle (?) sway bar on his pickup. might be some good info if you can find it.

I remember someone saying it made a night-and-day difference in their truck, but I can't find the thread.

[1project2many]

Panels and Suburbans were the only factory TF trucks with sway bars. The raised center of gravity must have played a part in that decision. But how much difference you'll see installing a rear bar really depends on how hard you corner and the truck's weight distribution. TF trucks as a group are heavily biased toward the front axle so it's possible a larger front bar will make more of a difference than a rear bar.

[jweb]

I have trailing arm rear suspension with coil overs. I added a rear sway bar and there is definitely a difference. I wouldn’t say it was a huge change but it has helped the body roll on cornering.

I used this sway bar and ran it through the frame so you can’t even see it.
https://welderseries.ecwid.com/Sway-...-Bar-p49762034

[dsraven]

maybe you could use one from an s10 blazer or the high performance version, ZR2. I take it you need something that goes behind the axle? one from an explorer or ranger may fit as well with some mods. they are bent to fit over the pumkin hump. they pivot on the axle tubes with bushings clamped to the axle tubes with what looks like big exhaust clamps to hold the bushings. just a thought. I attached a pic of my 57 with the explorer diff and stab bar ahead of the axle, they come mounted behind on the explorer but ahead on the ranger (I think, don't quote me, lol).

[57tailgater]

Check this out: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...rence.1067517/

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by 57tailgater

Check this out: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...rence.1067517/

That was pretty enlightening - especially since the OP started with a rear sway bar, then added the front one.

[_Ogre]

truk has a front and rear anti-sway bars. had both bars since the rebuild, so i can't tell which one helps more. i read where if you only have one make it the front sway bar.

i can tell you truk drives like a go-cart compared to the stock everything

tf suburbans came with factory sway bars on the front, not panels. at least my 59 3800 panel didn't have one, rear springs were so stiff the body never rolled either way.