I have seen sway bars for 56’s and 65’s. But is there a way to buy, convert, or fabricate a sway bar to a stock 57-60 f100 front end? I searched through the back posts and while there have been people asking occasionally, there hasn’t been any decisive responses. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

I also would love to have this answer. I have been told that the 53-55 front end measurements are the same as the 57-60, but I would hate to shell out the bucks without knowing for sure.

Bulldog

 

There doesn't appear to be a whole lot of info out there for this set up.
What I did and may be an option for you also is after installing the Heidts Superide on my 55 I walked under numerous vehicles that were up on hoists(I work at a dealership) and took measurements.
I wanted a big diameter bar so I ended up using one for a 1997 Expedition 4x4.
At that time they were only about $45-$50 and I bought the appropriate end links and bushing kits from Jegs.
It did require some minor modifications and I fabricated the link mount on the lower control arm, but you may find something that will bolt right on to your application.

 

There is an article about installing in the latest "Custom Classic Trucks" (June 2004), I just picked it up yesterday and haven't had a chance to really check it out.

Its for a mid-50's Chebby, I want to see if it can be adapted to my 48 F1.

 

Thanks Purple, I was thinking this was the probably what would end up happening, it helps to know that some body else has made it work before.

And 4tl8ford, I appriciate your keying me in on the article, it will be in my hands shortly

 

Have you called any of the vendors that make sway bars for the earlier trucks? I have a friend that has done a lot of work with the folks at No Limit Eng. and he has found them helpful. There are other vendors including the folks at Motorhaven who might be able to answer your question - just becuase the market hasn't been there to make a production item worthwhile doesn't mean that they haven't looked into it. You can contact No Limit at 888-297-6032 and there are many other vendors who cater to our hobby. I bet one of them has already looked into this and may be able to help you or might modify one of their existing bars for a good fit.

In the past I've made sway bars for small SCCA race cars (mostly F-Production "Spridgets") and the process isn't too dificult - but I have no engineering data to take any of the trail and error out. There is a good article at Grassroots Motorsports web sight (www.grmotorsports.com) that details some of the design variables and also some of the adjustment features that are good to build in and you may find that helpful.

The last bar I built was for a rear straight axle and -since we didn't know how stiff it had to be - we used a solid bar and made it too big from the beginning and then took it to the lathe and cut the center section down until we got it right. Final (and tuning) adjustment was via different holes in the control arm attached to the splines at each end that effectively changed the length of the arm and consequently the stiffness of the bar. Just be careful as too stiff an arm (front or rear) can really make for some "unique" (scary) handling untill you get it right. If you have access to a skid pad (big parking lot after hours with no light poles in bad places) it can be very helpful and much safer to dial it in.

Leaks

 

Leaks

Where's the fun in the parking lot.

It shold be done on a residential street, with both curbs lined with expensive cars.

 

4tl8ford...regards residential street with expensive cars...VERRRRRRY NICE! Unfortunately my pocketbook won't allow for such excess but it's a wonderful daydream!!! Fun! Bent BMWs, Porsches and Mercedes and probabaly not more than a tiny dent on any of our trucks still running a real steel bumper! Might be frowned on by the local constables though....oft times there is little sense of humor about such things...

Thanks for the chuckle!

Leaks

 

Thanks for the help oilleaks.
I have not really contacted many vendors as I usually just get more questions than answers, but I will definityly give No Limit a call. At the very least it seems that I could modify or make a new bar and grass roots motorsports looks like a good resource.
Thanks for the help guys, I am glad to hear what is availiable.

 

If I could be so bold. How much do you pay for insurance? I hope they aren't gouging you Dick.

Benny

If you can walk through the local yards with a tape measure, I think you will find something that will work. A sway bar is one of the few things that only has to be close to correct to offer considerable improvement. Anything that inhibits body lean will be of benefit.