Front Sway Bar question

[Zeekmiester]

G’day all,
I have a sway bar question. I picked up a front and rear sway bar kit from POL for my 60 GMC. And of course parts don’t quite bolt right up as implied. 1960 must be an odd year for resto mod parts. Anyway, if I mount the end links as per the instructions the bolt heads are about ½” to ¾” from contacting the tie rods. (see pic 1&2)If I turn the wheel either way or lift the front of truck they actually hit.
If I flip the end link bracket 180 deg. (see pic 3) I have lots of clearance but now the lower bushing is below control arm, about 8” off the deck. Is this going to be an issue? I’m worried if I scalp a groundhog or roll thru a pothole I may tweak the end link or damage something more. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The rear sway bar needed some mods as well. I will drop those in another post. Hope I submitted this right, not very good with PC's

[Rickysnickers]

This may be a dumb suggestion, but here it goes. In the first photo (going from left to right), you have two rubber cushions between the sway bar and the bracket. What would happen if you were to just take out one of the cushions and just use one in this spot? I know the bolt might be a little long. You could use a shorter bolt if you chose to go that route.

[Zeekmiester]

I thought of that as well. I could use a shorter bolt and one less bushing. But, my concern would be : Do I have enough movement in the end link to not cause a bind during movement and possibly bend or break the bolt. Figured I would ask if any others had this problem and or a solution. Thanks for your input.

[Captainfab]

Most of the aftermarket parts suppliers do not know that the '60-'62 frames and suspensions are not the same as the '63-'72's. That is why many market their parts as fitting '60-'66 or '60-'72. To my knowledge, on one makes a sway bar specifically for the '60-'62's. There was a forum member working on producing them, but I have not seen him on here in a while.

[SkinnyG]

Originally Posted by Zeekmiester

I thought of that as well. I could use a shorter bolt and one less bushing. But, my concern would be : Do I have enough movement in the end link to not cause a bind during movement and possibly bend or break the bolt.

There will be some bind, but less than the factory sway bar end trapped in a rubber/poly bushing on the control arm. I would fasten it up to a light snugness, not lock it down hella tight.

With regular inspection, you'll know if it's bending the bolt. It's just a hardware store grade bolt that you need, so if it bends you can either replace it or but a bushing back in. Or half a bushing, even. Or a varying stack of washers.

[Zeekmiester]

Thanks all, I have found many things dont quite fit as they claim but thats why the resto mod term fits, lol. I will try shortening the bolt useing a grade 5 and try it out when i get it back on the road. Just finished all the brakes and drums. Have yet to install new master and booster and swap timing gear for a chain.Thanks again

[Matt's k5]

I'm gonna be ordering mine very soon from POL for my 62 ,from your pictures it looks like you have a extra rubber bushing in it as well as long bolt ? , the kit is.new and says 60-62 so I'll be watching this one for my truck

[Zeekmiester]

So far I am happy with the install. We will see how it is once I get her back on the road, I have a few more things to do. I got the rear sway bar kit from POL as well. Had to do some mods to fit it right. I had to fab up two retrofit plates to the trailing arms so the rear bushings would mount to the trailing arms since they come back on an angle. We shall see how that works out.

[val1gonzales]

That's what it's all about right there! Adapt an overcome!

[Zeekmiester]

Semper Fi

[slepysal]

Originally Posted by Zeekmiester

Semper Fi

As Marines we were taught to adapt and over come. Well done Devil Dog !!!

[Zeekmiester]

OoooRah!!!

[doobiebro]

Originally Posted by Zeekmiester

So far I am happy with the install. We will see how it is once I get her back on the road, I have a few more things to do. I got the rear sway bar kit from POL as well. Had to do some mods to fit it right. I had to fab up two retrofit plates to the trailing arms so the rear bushings would mount to the trailing arms since they come back on an angle. We shall see how that works out.

Looking at your last pic where does the upper bracket bolt to? Thanx.

[Zeekmiester]

The upper bracket that the end links bolt to are forward of the rear axle on the truck frame. If you need a better pic I can snap one later this evening when I get home. Let me know

[Zeekmiester]

Here are some more pics for the rear sway bar. Hope this helps some

[doobiebro]

Originally Posted by Zeekmiester

Here are some more pics for the rear sway bar. Hope this helps some

Crystal Clear! How does your truck handle now? Thinking of doing the same thing to my 60. Thanx

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

This may be a dumb suggestion, but here it goes. In the first photo (going from left to right), you have two rubber cushions between the sway bar and the bracket. What would happen if you were to just take out one of the cushions and just use one in this spot? I know the bolt might be a little long. You could use a shorter bolt if you chose to go that route.

I'll second this recommendation for the front set-up.

[Zeekmiester]

Have not tested on the road yet. Still doing some other updates. Currently replacing the Timing gear with a double roller chain. Gear was way too noisy for me. Sounded like a poor mans Turbo, Let ya all know when she's back together.