Front Sway Bar?
 

I'm just about done with the engine so I'm starting to look at the suspension and steering. My first thought is to install a front sway bar but considering my 68 doesn't have one on it already, how hard is it to put one on? Can it be done out of my garage with hand tools?

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

It's an easy job. TxFirefighter did a nice writeup in FAQ on this topic.

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

Thanks Jim, I just checked it out and it looks pretty easy. The only thing is I'd have to figure out a way to pop that rivet on the crossmember without a torch or grinder.

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

I used a sawzall to cut the heads of the rivets off, and a mini sledge hammer and a punch to knock the rivet out.
Toad

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

I agree, it's a very simple straight forward install. No reason why you couldn't do it with the tool you most likely have a few hours of work. It was one of my more favorite projects.

Now, I just have to do the rear.

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

Alright, no sawzall either but I'm sure I can find something to take care of that rivet....

I got a rotozip and I think they sell a metal cutting wheel attachment. That should work don't you think?

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

I drilled the rivets out, centre punch the head, start with a small drill and work your way up to a big un and then BFH and chisel and off it pops and then just punch it through. I followed TXfirefighters writeup and also used the ECE lifted brackets as they brackets mine came with had seen a few kerbs in their time and had been welded up here and there. Swaybar came off a mid 80's wrecker that someone was breaking over here that I think started life as a camper so is about the thickest you can get. Took me an hour or two to mount up from start to finish.

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

I used a rotozip to get the rivet head off of a cab mount with the cab still on the frame. Then I just drilled it out. I hope this helps. good luck.

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

You could rent a grinder at an equipment store or a trailer (not u-haul) rental or mower reantal type place.

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

Or, you could get a cheap one from harbor freight. I think they have them for like 20 bucks ort something, and it may even last long enough to finish the job. (it falls in there total junk tool catigory, but if it makes it through the job, then it was money sorta-well spent)

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

3 lbs hammer and chisel. chisel head off rivet.. then a hole punch drive the rest trough.. i used this process to take the drums off the hub..

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

i bought a harbor freight angle grinder for like 15 bucks on sale and havent been able to kill it. i purposely abused it to see if i could kill it because i got the warranty on it and it keeps on tickin.

Re: Front Sway Bar?
 

Wow, I killed 2 of them, both the first time used.
They were both purchased at a yard sdale, so there's no tellin what was up with them... but they wqere both unused though.