Rear Sway Bar - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hotcorner · 03-30-2021, 01:20 PM

My 69 K25 previously carried a slide-in camper and has a very beefy sway bar installated in the rear. I’m assuming that the truck would probably ride better without it but looking for input. Should I boot it?

**Steeveedee** · 03-30-2021, 01:48 PM

If it's pushing into corners (understeer) remove it, if you don't plan on carrying any loads.

Richard2112 · 03-30-2021, 01:57 PM

I've been thinking about installing one of these for a while but the kits I've seen didn't have a beefy sway bar. I'm kinda interested in how that rear sway bar is attached and the hardware required.

**HO455** · 03-30-2021, 02:02 PM

The sway bar isn't likely to be the culprit for the rough ride. It is highly likely the sprng packs (assuming leafs) are the heavy duty version or an aftermarket upgrades. The sway bar is not factory so it is likely a previous owner upgraded the springs also. Post some photos of the springs and I'm sure someone will be able to tell you what springs you have. That may help you soften the ride.

**Accelo** · 03-30-2021, 02:03 PM

Sway bars do not change the ride.
The transfer corning loads from one side to the other.

I would leave it installed.

If you want to experiment just pull the end links and go for a drive.
That way you can quickly reinstall it. Which I believer you will after driving it.
Especially if drive it with a load. The higher the center of gravity the more important they become.
Rick

Hotcorner · 03-30-2021, 04:06 PM

There are definitely extra leaves.
Posted via Mobile Device

Hotcorner · 03-30-2021, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotcorner

There are definitely extra leaves.
Posted via Mobile Device

Posted via Mobile Device

68 P.O.S. · 03-30-2021, 04:20 PM

I have front and rear bars on my 72 long bed. It handles so much better. The thing rides like its on rails. I love it, keep it!

**Steeveedee** · 03-30-2021, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotcorner

There are definitely extra leaves.
Posted via Mobile Device

Does the SPID say "G50 HD Rear Spring"?

SCOTI · 03-30-2021, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotcorner

There are definitely extra leaves.
Posted via Mobile Device

That spring pack impacts your ride quality more than a sway-bar would for sure.

Hotcorner · 03-30-2021, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Does the SPID say "G50 HD Rear Spring"?

It’s pretty much illegible.
Posted via Mobile Device

Peanut74 · 03-30-2021, 11:26 PM

2X Accelo. Sway bars do not impact ride they are for controlling body roll.

**Steeveedee** · 03-30-2021, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotcorner

It’s pretty much illegible.
Posted via Mobile Device

Bummer. How many leaves?

Hotcorner · 03-31-2021, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peanut74

2X Accelo. Sway bars do not impact ride they are for controlling body roll.

I used “ride” loosely. I meant would it drive better. I know it would be better off-road without the sway bar, but I don’t go 4 wheeling with the 69.

Honestly, other than crossing bridges at 70mph and getting launched off the seat, I don’t mind the stiffness. It’s a 52 year old 3/4 ton truck, not a new Escalade.

Hotcorner · 03-31-2021, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Bummer. How many leaves?

Seven.

PepperTreeGarage · 04-01-2021, 01:05 AM

To me it looks like your spring pack is a 5 and 1. 5 leaf springs and 1 overload spring. The overload spring is usally flatter than the one you have. The one under the Overload spring, looks to me to be an after market Add-A-Leaf. They are more curved and add height, usually 1 to 2 inches. That may be the reason for the stiffer ride.

LT7A · 04-01-2021, 02:19 AM

Curious about the assertion that a stabilizer bar doesn't change the ride. It limits the independence of the suspension from one side to the other by tying the two sides together. That means that neither side is able to move as freely as it would without the stabilizer bar.

That said, I think the compromise is worth it both front and rear. As others are saying, I would adjust your leaf pack if you are wanting to improve the ride quality.

**Already Gone** · 04-01-2021, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard2112

I've been thinking about installing one of these for a while but the kits I've seen didn't have a beefy sway bar. I'm kinda interested in how that rear sway bar is attached and the hardware required.

I have one of these waiting to go on my 72 C10 with 8 foot box.I have a 1 1/4 front bar from an 80's 1 ton and thsi bar is 1 1/8th inches.

https://www.hellwigproducts.com/our-.../?searchq=7401

SCOTI · 04-01-2021, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT7A

Curious about the assertion that a stabilizer bar doesn't change the ride. It limits the independence of the suspension from one side to the other by tying the two sides together. That means that neither side is able to move as freely as it would without the stabilizer bar.

That said, I think the compromise is worth it both front and rear. As others are saying, I would adjust your leaf pack if you are wanting to improve the ride quality.

It's not going to change the ride quality like additional leafs in the spring pack would; especially additional HD leafs.

LT7A · 04-02-2021, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

It's not going to change the ride quality like additional leafs in the spring pack would; especially additional HD leafs.

The statement was made that stabilizer bars don't change the ride. The statement wasn't made in comparison to the spring packs, and neither was my response. The OP's original question wasn't relative to his springs either.

SCOTI · 04-02-2021, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT7A

The statement was made that stabilizer bars don't change the ride. The statement wasn't made in comparison to the spring packs, and neither was my response. The OP's original question wasn't relative to his springs either.

Ignore my post & stay on top of it then.

Richard2112 · 04-02-2021, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I have one of these waiting to go on my 72 C10 with 8 foot box.I have a 1 1/4 front bar from an 80's 1 ton and thsi bar is 1 1/8th inches.

https://www.hellwigproducts.com/our-.../?searchq=7401

Thank you for that. I have installed a front sway from an 85 one ton and I think it's 1 1/4 also. Somehow I thought the rear would be heavier. I'll look into this. Looks like a good thing.

Hotcorner · 04-02-2021, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard2112

I've been thinking about installing one of these for a while but the kits I've seen didn't have a beefy sway bar. I'm kinda interested in how that rear sway bar is attached and the hardware required.

More pics for attachment pics, leaf pack, and ride height.

**Already Gone** · 04-02-2021, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard2112

Thank you for that. I have installed a front sway from an 85 one ton and I think it's 1 1/4 also. Somehow I thought the rear would be heavier. I'll look into this. Looks like a good thing.

From what I've read it always said the rear bar should be thinner, and these two are about as close as you can get, than the front.

SCOTI · 04-02-2021, 02:40 PM

Heavy trucks using a sway bar for countering loads will utilize a larger bar diameter vs something that just has a rear bar for a performance benefit.

Vehicles w/non severe/HD/hauling needs typically do utilize a smaller diameter rear bar so it doesn't over power the suspension which could cause the rear to push more vs a set-up having no bar @ all.

Trucks are particularly susceptible to this issue since the weight distribution is far greater over the front axle vs the rear.

03-30-2021, 01:20 PM	#1
Hotcorner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 892	Rear Sway Bar My 69 K25 previously carried a slide-in camper and has a very beefy sway bar installated in the rear. I’m assuming that the truck would probably ride better without it but looking for input. Should I boot it? __________________ 1969 GMC K25 2007 Chevy 2500HD Classic Duramax 1999 Tahoe 2DR 4WD Base Model 5.7l

03-30-2021, 01:48 PM	#2
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,676	Re: Rear Sway Bar If it's pushing into corners (understeer) remove it, if you don't plan on carrying any loads. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

03-30-2021, 01:57 PM	#3
Richard2112 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: South East Ohio Posts: 644	Re: Rear Sway Bar I've been thinking about installing one of these for a while but the kits I've seen didn't have a beefy sway bar. I'm kinda interested in how that rear sway bar is attached and the hardware required.

03-30-2021, 02:02 PM	#4
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,350	Re: Rear Sway Bar The sway bar isn't likely to be the culprit for the rough ride. It is highly likely the sprng packs (assuming leafs) are the heavy duty version or an aftermarket upgrades. The sway bar is not factory so it is likely a previous owner upgraded the springs also. Post some photos of the springs and I'm sure someone will be able to tell you what springs you have. That may help you soften the ride. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

03-30-2021, 02:03 PM	#5
Accelo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,295	Re: Rear Sway Bar Sway bars do not change the ride. The transfer corning loads from one side to the other. I would leave it installed. If you want to experiment just pull the end links and go for a drive. That way you can quickly reinstall it. Which I believer you will after driving it. Especially if drive it with a load. The higher the center of gravity the more important they become. Rick

03-30-2021, 04:06 PM	#6
Hotcorner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 892	Re: Rear Sway Bar There are definitely extra leaves. Posted via Mobile Device

03-30-2021, 04:20 PM	#8
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,662	Re: Rear Sway Bar I have front and rear bars on my 72 long bed. It handles so much better. The thing rides like its on rails. I love it, keep it! __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo Last edited by 68 P.O.S.; 03-30-2021 at 05:05 PM.

03-30-2021, 11:26 PM	#12
Peanut74 Registered User Join Date: May 2018 Location: Prattville, AL Posts: 611	Re: Rear Sway Bar 2X Accelo. Sway bars do not impact ride they are for controlling body roll. __________________ -------------------------------------------------------- 1967 C10 "Snowball" (Currently in a thousand pieces down from a bazillion) 1989 Toyota DLX pickup "The Hulk"

04-01-2021, 01:05 AM	#16
PepperTreeGarage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: SoCal Posts: 281	Re: Rear Sway Bar To me it looks like your spring pack is a 5 and 1. 5 leaf springs and 1 overload spring. The overload spring is usally flatter than the one you have. The one under the Overload spring, looks to me to be an after market Add-A-Leaf. They are more curved and add height, usually 1 to 2 inches. That may be the reason for the stiffer ride. Attached Images

04-01-2021, 02:19 AM	#17
LT7A Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: PNW Posts: 3,620	Re: Rear Sway Bar Curious about the assertion that a stabilizer bar doesn't change the ride. It limits the independence of the suspension from one side to the other by tying the two sides together. That means that neither side is able to move as freely as it would without the stabilizer bar. That said, I think the compromise is worth it both front and rear. As others are saying, I would adjust your leaf pack if you are wanting to improve the ride quality.

04-02-2021, 02:40 PM	#25
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Rear Sway Bar Heavy trucks using a sway bar for countering loads will utilize a larger bar diameter vs something that just has a rear bar for a performance benefit. Vehicles w/non severe/HD/hauling needs typically do utilize a smaller diameter rear bar so it doesn't over power the suspension which could cause the rear to push more vs a set-up having no bar @ all. Trucks are particularly susceptible to this issue since the weight distribution is far greater over the front axle vs the rear. __________________ 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.*



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