Removing factory sway bar, and installation of same on a lowered truck

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Perhaps a "dumb question", but are there any considerations for removing a factory front sway bar? Looks straight forward, just four brackets & bushings and done. Just trying to avoid any surprises. The wheels are off the frame, and the frame and the lower control arms are on stands.

This truck will probably see a drop using 2.5" drop spindles. I read the sway bars might be too low with a drop, and may require different frame brackets. Seeking experienced opinions please. Thank you.

[bbbc10]

I had 5/7 drop with factory sway bar

[dfosh]

If you think it will be to low ece sells a set of shorter brackets. They work well and move front of bar closer to the frame.

[blazer2007]

You can slide the sway bar inside the brackets instead of on the bottom

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I take it there's nothing to watch for when I pull this thing. I'd heard the sway bar is essentially a spring. Currently the front end is propped with two sets of stands, primary weight on the frame. I think I'll put more weight on the lower control arms, just in case. Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by dfosh

If you think it will be to low ece sells a set of shorter brackets. They work well and move front of bar closer to the frame.

Good to know. That's where I plan to get the 2.5/4 drop kit. Sounds like with that drop, the only alteration that has to be made is shocks. Rear shocks to the upper brackets only, if I remember right.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I take it there's nothing to watch for when I pull this thing. I'd heard the sway bar is essentially a spring. Currently the front end is propped with two sets of stands, primary weight on the frame. I think I'll put more weight on the lower control arms, just in case. Thanks for the info.



Good to know. That's where I plan to get the 2.5/4 drop kit. Sounds like with that drop, the only alteration that has to be made is shocks. Rear shocks to the upper brackets only, if I remember right.

The sway bar is not like a spring as far as 'energy'. Springs are compressed & when compressed/loaded they can be hazardous.

The sway bar basically floats & isn't loaded until one side of the vehicle compresses more vs the opposite side. That's when there is a load/force on the bar. Once the end links are removed, the bar just hangs there. With the factory GM frame mounts, they can hang a little low on trucks w/aggressive drops. The shorter aftermarket mounts can be used or you can bolt them directly to the frame rails.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Ha ha..........OK, the sway bar is a 5 minute job. There was no stress on that bar, but I did have the lower arms & frame on jacks. There was a hodgepodge of bolts. I wasn't going reuse them anyway, because the threads aren't great. They're grade 5 bolts. Seems like a good place for grade 8.

Sounds like the existing brackets are good with a 2.5" drop. Worst case scenario I have rivets to bust after the frame is painted, but it's being hand painted anyway.

Thanks for the info.