rear anti-sway bar - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigd65 · 12-20-2012, 10:33 AM

posted on the Suburban board looking for one, but question is, has anyone ever put one on the lowered pick up. is there any PROs or CONs or is it even worth the effort. Thinking of putting one on my 87 LWB

INSIDIOUS '86 · 12-20-2012, 02:17 PM

Many good things. Bad thing is dont get to big of one otherwise you end with a drift truck another bad thing is its about. Two beer job so you get bored easy
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piecesparts · 12-20-2012, 03:05 PM

I have a lowered 84 GMC SWB with a rear sway bar from Helwig. I installed it myself and it works well.

Firebirdjones · 12-20-2012, 03:41 PM

I run a rear bar on my 79 single axle 1 ton (not lowered however). I used the correct era bar for mine which uses a pair of cast iron mounting brackets that bolt to the lower leaf spring perches. Fairly robust setup. I don't believe there would be any ground clearance issues on a lowered truck really. The center of the bar doesn't hang below the center pumpkin of the 14 bolt (about 2/3 of the way down I'd say. What you do see that is noticably low are the large cast iron brackets used to mount it. Depends on how short of a tire you run as to how close that would get to the ground however.

If I have a pic I'll post it if you think that might help.

cory d · 12-20-2012, 06:58 PM

any one know of any rear bars from other vehicals that can work? or even small front bars?

piecesparts · 12-20-2012, 07:55 PM

When I put the Helwig bar on my truck I was told by them that it would work with my lowered truck. My truck is dropped 4" in the rear with a Belltech kit. The axle is not flipped. I also run a 28.5" tire on the rear and I have never had issue with clearance. I did have some issue with the mounting of the bar ends to the frame. I chose not to use the mounting brackets that Helwig supplied and mounted my end pieces directly to the bottom of my frame rails. This set up has been on my truck since 1998.

big10ratrod77 · 12-20-2012, 11:38 PM

Man i installed on my 79 a month or two back it was an addco 7/8 inch diameter and it made a big difference in handling, my truck had some crazy wheel hop off the line and it decreased the amount of wheel hop tremendously. i can also fly down back roads and feel safe doing so this is the second best mod I have ever installed on my truck (the first best being a front sway bar)

king-918 · 12-21-2012, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piecesparts

When I put the Helwig bar on my truck I was told by them that it would work with my lowered truck. My truck is dropped 4" in the rear with a Belltech kit. The axle is not flipped. I also run a 28.5" tire on the rear and I have never had issue with clearance. I did have some issue with the mounting of the bar ends to the frame. I chose not to use the mounting brackets that Helwig supplied and mounted my end pieces directly to the bottom of my frame rails. This set up has been on my truck since 1998.

Where did you get your lights?
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bigd65 · 12-21-2012, 08:04 AM

Well that's good, y'all talked me into it.
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bigd65 · 12-21-2012, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Many good things. Bad thing is dont get to big of one otherwise you end with a drift truck another bad thing is its about. Two beer job so you get bored easy
Posted via Mobile Device

I don't know about this two beer job thing, I can drink some beer pretty fast

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wraprail · 12-21-2012, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cory d

any one know of any rear bars from other vehicals that can work? or even small front bars?

Late 70s Lincoln Mark V rear bar works well.

Clamps under housing and end links come right beside the outside of frame. I just welded a L tab. drilled a hole and done. Had stock leaf springs with lowering blocks and a couple leafs removed. Don't see why it wouldn't work on a GM rear

bigd65 · 12-21-2012, 10:19 AM

Maybe one a little easier to find ? Most of them have been crushed by now
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83GMCK2500 · 12-21-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigd65

Maybe one a little easier to find ? Most of them have been crushed by now
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Pretty sure one of those was just processed IN at the Wrecking Yard I work at (NOT ADVERTISING), just encouraging everyone to check out their local Yards. They are still out there. A couple months ago we processed a 30s vintage Ford F-5 or so IN with a flathead V8...haven't seen one of those in yeaaaaars up there, couple weeks ago it went through the crusher.

I have a rear sway bar on my truck, aftermarket, but my truck is stock height 4x4 soon to go up 2.5". A lot of my friends have bagged minitrucks, but given the nature of their suspension they do not have sway bars.

G8DAN · 12-21-2012, 05:54 PM

I'm running the Belltech 1 3/8 bar on my truck and it feels very balanced with the 1 1/4 bar up front. I think it is highly worth it to get a rear sway bar put on.

bigd65 · 12-21-2012, 09:46 PM

Ok I'm sold, maybe just get a HELWIG or something. Need to shop around
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bigd65 · 12-22-2012, 09:12 PM

Ok a local wrecking yard has Two 1tons and both have REAR ANTI-SWAY BARS. BUT THEY LOOK HUMONGUS. bolt to the frame but then also to a big plate that attaches to the spring bracket. Is this to big , should I get one or just go for an after market one. The guy with probably give it to me free, he always does unless it's something big....
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bigd65 · 12-23-2012, 09:38 AM

Well what do y'all think, AFTER MARKET ? or get one from one of those 1tons
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68Timber · 12-23-2012, 10:03 AM

I wouldn't run one that big. gchemist mentioned the ride getting pretty stiff in his truck after installing a rear sway bar. If you add one, go conservative on the diameter.
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piecesparts · 12-23-2012, 12:09 PM

How much work are you willing to put into installing it? The lowered truck will make the install a little different that the 1-ton may have had. If you get it for free, then by all means do so and see if it will mount without pain. Otherwise go with a company that makes one to fit the lowered truck, as I did. Does the one from the salvage need new bushings or clamps, that may cost you almost as much as a new one.

bigd65 · 12-23-2012, 12:42 PM

It has a mounting plate on the springs, when I saw that figured it would be to big. I am probably just going to check into the after market
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piecesparts · 12-23-2012, 01:01 PM

Look at this website for bars for your truck.

http://www.hellwigproducts.com/produ...owered-trucks/

Summit sells the bars as listed below

http://www.summitracing.com/search?k...hel-7448&dds=1

12-20-2012, 10:33 AM	#1
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	rear anti-sway bar posted on the Suburban board looking for one, but question is, has anyone ever put one on the lowered pick up. is there any PROs or CONs or is it even worth the effort. Thinking of putting one on my 87 LWB __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

12-20-2012, 02:17 PM	#2
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: rear anti-sway bar Many good things. Bad thing is dont get to big of one otherwise you end with a drift truck another bad thing is its about. Two beer job so you get bored easy Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

12-20-2012, 03:05 PM	#3
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: rear anti-sway bar I have a lowered 84 GMC SWB with a rear sway bar from Helwig. I installed it myself and it works well. __________________ Frank

12-20-2012, 03:41 PM	#4
Firebirdjones Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Prescott, Arizona Posts: 2,396	Re: rear anti-sway bar I run a rear bar on my 79 single axle 1 ton (not lowered however). I used the correct era bar for mine which uses a pair of cast iron mounting brackets that bolt to the lower leaf spring perches. Fairly robust setup. I don't believe there would be any ground clearance issues on a lowered truck really. The center of the bar doesn't hang below the center pumpkin of the 14 bolt (about 2/3 of the way down I'd say. What you do see that is noticably low are the large cast iron brackets used to mount it. Depends on how short of a tire you run as to how close that would get to the ground however. If I have a pic I'll post it if you think that might help.

12-20-2012, 06:58 PM	#5
cory d Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Arlington WA Posts: 1,728	Re: rear anti-sway bar any one know of any rear bars from other vehicals that can work? or even small front bars? __________________ GMC C15 355 SM465 3.73 80 C10 cruiser build thread 79 short stepside crew cab. big and ugly. build thread

12-20-2012, 07:55 PM	#6
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: rear anti-sway bar When I put the Helwig bar on my truck I was told by them that it would work with my lowered truck. My truck is dropped 4" in the rear with a Belltech kit. The axle is not flipped. I also run a 28.5" tire on the rear and I have never had issue with clearance. I did have some issue with the mounting of the bar ends to the frame. I chose not to use the mounting brackets that Helwig supplied and mounted my end pieces directly to the bottom of my frame rails. This set up has been on my truck since 1998. Attached Images __________________ Frank

12-20-2012, 11:38 PM	#7
big10ratrod77 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: hillborough nc Posts: 410	Re: rear anti-sway bar Man i installed on my 79 a month or two back it was an addco 7/8 inch diameter and it made a big difference in handling, my truck had some crazy wheel hop off the line and it decreased the amount of wheel hop tremendously. i can also fly down back roads and feel safe doing so this is the second best mod I have ever installed on my truck (the first best being a front sway bar) __________________ 77 chevy BIG 10 350/sm465/12bolt w 3.73 bout 240 horse power NO power steerin 79 chevy 1/2 ton 250/three on the tree/3.08s soon to get built 250/floor shift conversion/3.08s 81 mercedes 300d 25 MPG 77 chevy BIG DOOLEY 454/sm-465/14 bolt 4.10s "fully loaded" 73 plymouth duster 225 slant six/230 3 speed/8 1/4 trying to acheve 300 horse six http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3135091 '77 chevy trucks. built to stay tough. life is short build a hot rod

12-21-2012, 08:04 AM	#9
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	Re: rear anti-sway bar Well that's good, y'all talked me into it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

12-21-2012, 10:19 AM	#12
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	Re: rear anti-sway bar Maybe one a little easier to find ? Most of them have been crushed by now Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

12-21-2012, 05:54 PM	#14
G8DAN Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Sylmar, CA Posts: 79	Re: rear anti-sway bar I'm running the Belltech 1 3/8 bar on my truck and it feels very balanced with the 1 1/4 bar up front. I think it is highly worth it to get a rear sway bar put on.

12-21-2012, 09:46 PM	#15
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	Re: rear anti-sway bar Ok I'm sold, maybe just get a HELWIG or something. Need to shop around Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

12-22-2012, 09:12 PM	#16
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	Re: rear anti-sway bar Ok a local wrecking yard has Two 1tons and both have REAR ANTI-SWAY BARS. BUT THEY LOOK HUMONGUS. bolt to the frame but then also to a big plate that attaches to the spring bracket. Is this to big , should I get one or just go for an after market one. The guy with probably give it to me free, he always does unless it's something big.... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

12-23-2012, 09:38 AM	#17
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	Re: rear anti-sway bar Well what do y'all think, AFTER MARKET ? or get one from one of those 1tons Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

12-23-2012, 10:03 AM	#18
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: rear anti-sway bar I wouldn't run one that big. gchemist mentioned the ride getting pretty stiff in his truck after installing a rear sway bar. If you add one, go conservative on the diameter. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

12-23-2012, 12:09 PM	#19
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: rear anti-sway bar How much work are you willing to put into installing it? The lowered truck will make the install a little different that the 1-ton may have had. If you get it for free, then by all means do so and see if it will mount without pain. Otherwise go with a company that makes one to fit the lowered truck, as I did. Does the one from the salvage need new bushings or clamps, that may cost you almost as much as a new one. __________________ Frank



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12-23-2012, 12:42 PM	#20
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,935	Re: rear anti-sway bar It has a mounting plate on the springs, when I saw that figured it would be to big. I am probably just going to check into the after market Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

12-23-2012, 01:01 PM	#21
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: rear anti-sway bar Look at this website for bars for your truck. http://www.hellwigproducts.com/produ...owered-trucks/ Summit sells the bars as listed below http://www.summitracing.com/search?k...hel-7448&dds=1 __________________ Frank

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