Sway bars?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
Sway bars?
Would our vintage trucks benefit from sway bars? I looked under my son's '98 Explorer, and it has the thickest sway bar in the front I've ever seen. I know there are kits out there; do they help much? Just wondering...
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,475
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The only downsides to sway bars are off road articulation of the suspension and in drag racing they reduce the front end lift. Otherwise, they are like discovering sliced bread.
Start here:
http://www.hellwigproducts.com/antis...c4x2_ford.html
If you want to see a big bar, look under the back of a late model 2 to 5 ton truck. Disc brakes and 2" sway bars.
Start here:
http://www.hellwigproducts.com/antis...c4x2_ford.html
If you want to see a big bar, look under the back of a late model 2 to 5 ton truck. Disc brakes and 2" sway bars.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Tuttle, Oklahoma
I got my front bar from a chevy, don't know what year, but I built some U-bolt brackets and mounted it all up bar was 1 1/4" thick, made a VERY noticeable difference in handling.
it was DEFINITELY worth the $7 I spent (that included the bolts and 3/8" plate stock)
it was DEFINITELY worth the $7 I spent (that included the bolts and 3/8" plate stock)
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From: Middleton, WI
Front Yes- Rear Not yet
I have on the front, and have them mounted with angle clips bolted through my dropped beams. It helps with roll. Would have on rear but with my stainless steel gas tank mounted in the frame behind the rear end there was no way to mount the one I bought.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 693
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From: Tuttle, Oklahoma
I will try to get some pics of it tomorrow, I just used some 3/8" thick plate steel and U-bolts and all of the chevy mounting parts (end links and bushings).
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Tuttle, Oklahoma
welp, I finally got the pics I said I would.
either click here https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=13740
or go to my gallery
either click here https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=13740
or go to my gallery
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix Az, by way of Fre
Originally Posted by 6t9er
i installed front and rear sway bars on my 69 and it made a significant improvement in ride, especially when going through corners.
was any custom fabrication required to make things work?
Originally Posted by 85e150six4mtod
3 dealers within 2 miles of my work place!
I'll check these kits out.
I'm not trying to build a sports car or anything, but, controling a bunch of the lean would be nice in my daily driver.
Last edited by cleanLX; Dec 14, 2004 at 07:24 PM.
