Coil spring rear sway bar? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MandarinSixSeven · 04-05-2003, 07:34 PM

Anyone out there have a rear sway bar on a coil spring/swing arm 1/2 ton SWB?

I just got my new front sway bar on, it's great. Seeing as it was a really easy install, I am now curious about a rear sway bar. Is it easy? Parts hard to come by? Share your experience/tips/advice, any would be appreciated.

-Benson

adamls · 04-05-2003, 07:39 PM

Check this site out

http://www.low69cst.freeservers.com/CamaroBar.htm

cdowns · 04-05-2003, 07:51 PM

i've got a hellwig rear sway bar on mine it works good and was an easy installation

67cst · 04-08-2003, 08:14 PM

what about leaf rears with blazer tanks?

neonlarry · 05-07-2003, 08:44 PM

I recently install a Camero rear swaybar ala Low69CST. But I made it a bolt-in. I don't know how these trucks handle without a front bar (always had one) but this rear bar made quite an improvement in the handling. I've got some pics of the install.
I also have a few extra sets of spacers, grade 8 bolts and bushing perches if anyone is interested. Also when you go looking for a sway bar look for an IROC-Z they have a larger diameter bar then any of the others including the Z28.

neonlarry · 05-07-2003, 08:45 PM

Another Pic

neonlarry · 05-07-2003, 08:46 PM

Complete kit for install.

Longhorn Man · 05-08-2003, 11:55 PM

Quote:

I don't know how these trucks handle without a front bar

They handle like pigs in slop. I swear my door handles scrape the pavement when ever I take a turn at more than 5 MPH.

71-longbed · 05-09-2003, 06:35 AM

ill second that ...i love my sway bar and it hasn't even been in a week ..... went with the cheap rubber bushings ..didnt feel like paying 30 chones for poly's ...... not that important to me ... but i kinda wanna put in a rear one now ... :p

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 05-09-2003, 08:41 AM

Is the camero bar better than the ones designed for these trucks? I've sold a bunch of Hellwig rears but have never used one or have any feedback from customers.

70 longbed · 05-09-2003, 12:02 PM

Low69cst/neonlarry,

I could not get to the server, will try again later. How about a complete list of parts/instructions. I am interested in the extra parts that you have, neon. Let me know how much and where to send the money.

neonlarry · 05-09-2003, 12:25 PM

I think the camaro swaybar is probably better than the aftermarket ones I have seen. I haven't seen all of them, but the ones I have seen hang down way too far. The stuff you will need to find is the swaybar it's self, and the brackets that hold it onto the frame. The iroc swaybar is much better than the one on the other camaros. Once you have that stuff, you will need new bushings, and end links, and the kit has all the rest of the parts in it. My dad is the one that did it, so I will have him let you know how much the kit will cost.

BTW, if anyone finds a iroc, get the front frame brace from it if it isn't too expensive. They are worth grabing to resell on ebay, or to anyone you know with a 3rd gen camaro. I think it is called a wonderbar, and I have a pic of one somewhere.

70 longbed · 05-09-2003, 12:30 PM

neonlarry,

We are talking the rear sway from the Iroc, correct?

neonlarry · 05-09-2003, 08:22 PM

MOTHERTRUCKERS if I'm not mistaken the Helwig Bar mounts on the trailing arms, you get much better leverage the way the Camero Bar mounts plus its up out of the way.

70 Longbed thats correct the rear bar from an IROC they are 15/16" the others are much smaller. You can get just about everything you need from the Camero. I chose to use Energy Suspension Greaseable Bushings and Also their End Links, just makes it that much stiffer. Take a good look at the parts in the last picture.

Low69CST · 05-09-2003, 10:54 PM

Somebody stealin my idea for profit??? Just kiddin. So you've driven your truck since you put that bar on Neonlarry? Mine still isn't road ready. College sucks sometimes.

jimfulco · 05-10-2003, 03:59 AM

I tried to print the thing about the Camaro sway bar, but only the blue thing at the top printed. What am I doing wrong?

73stepside · 05-10-2003, 04:25 AM

my 92 rs has a 7/8'' rear sway bar. the aftermarket sways have 1 1/4 front and 1'' rear. they pull like he!! with the bigger bars. wonder how they would work on the truck. most camaros got the iroc bars after they killed the iroc in 1990. so if you find someone selling 1990 or newer camaro sways, get those. the wonderbar is an awesome little bar for the 3rd genners, but don't sell a used one for more than $20. you can buy them new for $30 thru steve spohn. if you are lucky enough to find a 3rd gen f-body with LE1 or B4C stuff, snatch it all up. 3rd genners will pay top dollar for these items.

GMC69 · 08-25-2003, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by neonlarry
Complete kit for install.

I'll have to add that sway bar to my shopping list at the wrecking yard. What exactly to I have to buy besides the sway bar from the Iroc.

I am guessing that the spacers ( between the frame and the perches) have to get made.

Also what is the cost of getting the sway bar and the other pieces needed.

I would make it a bolt on kit also, since I do not have access to a welder.

lukecp · 08-25-2003, 01:11 PM

I have been wanting front & rear bars for quite some time and have some questions:

1. How much weight will a 1-1/8" front sway bar add to the truck? What about the rear bar?

2. I read somewhere that sway bars hurt weight transfer, and therefore hurt traction....is that true? My truck has a hard enough time hooking up as it is, but then again i may only race the truck once or twice a year but i drive it on curvy roads all the time, lol......

neonlarry · 08-25-2003, 02:46 PM

I don't know about the weights. But as far as weight transfer, swaybars will effect side to side transfer(good) thats what they are supposed to do. They should have no effect on front to back transfer if installed correctly.

cornutz · 09-25-2005, 10:47 PM

Larry- what year iroc should I be lookin for at the bone yards? I like the idea a lot!!!

Thanks,

NutZ

73stepside · 08-25-2003, 04:38 PM

they also affect front to rear weight transfer somewhat

bryanw1968 · 08-31-2006, 11:40 AM

On a rear wheel drive vehicle you want a bigger bar on the front and a smaller bar on the rear. This will prevent understeer. I have an 1 1/4" on the front and an 1" on the back. Love it! You don't really need one on the back but man did it tighten things up. Between the bars, fairly stiff gas shocks, decent tires and stiffer lowered springs this thing handles REALLY well.

gotchevys? · 12-25-2006, 06:35 PM

Here is a picture of my 1 1/8" rear sway bar from Classic Performance Productshttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220390. It is a "bolt in" kit

. I had to fabricate mounting plates on the inside of the trailing arms in order to bolt this up. On the U-shaped bushing brackets when you would line up one hole the other would be in line with the center seam of the trailing arms. The instructions sucked. If you can get over the fact that you need to make mounts then once installed it works awsome.

poncho_villa · 01-07-2007, 02:05 PM

I have a '58 short fleetside on a '64 chassis and it didn't have bars when I bought it. It cornered like a slug. Got a pair of aftermarket just like the ones in the previous post. The handling difference was amazing. Corners like a slot car now. I fully recommend adding these to any truck with a steering wheel.

04-05-2003, 07:34 PM	#1
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	Coil spring rear sway bar? Anyone out there have a rear sway bar on a coil spring/swing arm 1/2 ton SWB? I just got my new front sway bar on, it's great. Seeing as it was a really easy install, I am now curious about a rear sway bar. Is it easy? Parts hard to come by? Share your experience/tips/advice, any would be appreciated. -Benson __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

04-05-2003, 07:39 PM	#2
adamls Gotta Startem Early Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Amarillo, TX, USA Posts: 364	Check this site out http://www.low69cst.freeservers.com/CamaroBar.htm __________________ 67 SWB In Progress, one piece at a time, maybe 3 years I will be finished

04-05-2003, 07:51 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i've got a hellwig rear sway bar on mine it works good and was an easy installation __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-08-2003, 08:14 PM	#4
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	what about leaf rears with blazer tanks? __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

05-07-2003, 08:44 PM	#5
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	I recently install a Camero rear swaybar ala Low69CST. But I made it a bolt-in. I don't know how these trucks handle without a front bar (always had one) but this rear bar made quite an improvement in the handling. I've got some pics of the install. I also have a few extra sets of spacers, grade 8 bolts and bushing perches if anyone is interested. Also when you go looking for a sway bar look for an IROC-Z they have a larger diameter bar then any of the others including the Z28. Attached Images __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

05-07-2003, 08:45 PM	#6
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Another Pic Attached Images __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

05-07-2003, 08:46 PM	#7
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Complete kit for install. Attached Images __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

05-09-2003, 06:35 AM	#9
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	ill second that ...i love my sway bar and it hasn't even been in a week ..... went with the cheap rubber bushings ..didnt feel like paying 30 chones for poly's ...... not that important to me ... but i kinda wanna put in a rear one now ... :p __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

05-09-2003, 08:41 AM	#10
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Is the camero bar better than the ones designed for these trucks? I've sold a bunch of Hellwig rears but have never used one or have any feedback from customers. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

05-09-2003, 12:02 PM	#11
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	Low69cst/neonlarry, I could not get to the server, will try again later. How about a complete list of parts/instructions. I am interested in the extra parts that you have, neon. Let me know how much and where to send the money. __________________ Keith 70 CST longbed in progress. Hoping to get it back on the road soon.

05-09-2003, 12:25 PM	#12
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	I think the camaro swaybar is probably better than the aftermarket ones I have seen. I haven't seen all of them, but the ones I have seen hang down way too far. The stuff you will need to find is the swaybar it's self, and the brackets that hold it onto the frame. The iroc swaybar is much better than the one on the other camaros. Once you have that stuff, you will need new bushings, and end links, and the kit has all the rest of the parts in it. My dad is the one that did it, so I will have him let you know how much the kit will cost. BTW, if anyone finds a iroc, get the front frame brace from it if it isn't too expensive. They are worth grabing to resell on ebay, or to anyone you know with a 3rd gen camaro. I think it is called a wonderbar, and I have a pic of one somewhere. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

05-09-2003, 12:30 PM	#13
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	neonlarry, We are talking the rear sway from the Iroc, correct? __________________ Keith 70 CST longbed in progress. Hoping to get it back on the road soon.

05-09-2003, 08:22 PM	#14
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	MOTHERTRUCKERS if I'm not mistaken the Helwig Bar mounts on the trailing arms, you get much better leverage the way the Camero Bar mounts plus its up out of the way. 70 Longbed thats correct the rear bar from an IROC they are 15/16" the others are much smaller. You can get just about everything you need from the Camero. I chose to use Energy Suspension Greaseable Bushings and Also their End Links, just makes it that much stiffer. Take a good look at the parts in the last picture. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

05-09-2003, 10:54 PM	#15
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	Somebody stealin my idea for profit??? Just kiddin. So you've driven your truck since you put that bar on Neonlarry? Mine still isn't road ready. College sucks sometimes. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

05-10-2003, 03:59 AM	#16
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	camaro sway bar I tried to print the thing about the Camaro sway bar, but only the blue thing at the top printed. What am I doing wrong?



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05-10-2003, 04:25 AM	#17
73stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Moore OK 73160 Posts: 974	my 92 rs has a 7/8'' rear sway bar. the aftermarket sways have 1 1/4 front and 1'' rear. they pull like he!! with the bigger bars. wonder how they would work on the truck. most camaros got the iroc bars after they killed the iroc in 1990. so if you find someone selling 1990 or newer camaro sways, get those. the wonderbar is an awesome little bar for the 3rd genners, but don't sell a used one for more than $20. you can buy them new for $30 thru steve spohn. if you are lucky enough to find a 3rd gen f-body with LE1 or B4C stuff, snatch it all up. 3rd genners will pay top dollar for these items. __________________ 04 GMC Sierra RCSS 70 CST LWB 04 HD Sportster 1200 Custom

08-25-2003, 01:11 PM	#19
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I have been wanting front & rear bars for quite some time and have some questions: 1. How much weight will a 1-1/8" front sway bar add to the truck? What about the rear bar? 2. I read somewhere that sway bars hurt weight transfer, and therefore hurt traction....is that true? My truck has a hard enough time hooking up as it is, but then again i may only race the truck once or twice a year but i drive it on curvy roads all the time, lol...... __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

08-25-2003, 02:46 PM	#20
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	I don't know about the weights. But as far as weight transfer, swaybars will effect side to side transfer(good) thats what they are supposed to do. They should have no effect on front to back transfer if installed correctly. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

09-25-2005, 10:47 PM	#21
cornutz All Praise RANDY!! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central California Posts: 391	Larry- what year iroc should I be lookin for at the bone yards? I like the idea a lot!!! Thanks, NutZ

08-25-2003, 04:38 PM	#22
73stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Moore OK 73160 Posts: 974	they also affect front to rear weight transfer somewhat __________________ 04 GMC Sierra RCSS 70 CST LWB 04 HD Sportster 1200 Custom

08-31-2006, 11:40 AM	#23
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: Coil spring rear sway bar? On a rear wheel drive vehicle you want a bigger bar on the front and a smaller bar on the rear. This will prevent understeer. I have an 1 1/4" on the front and an 1" on the back. Love it! You don't really need one on the back but man did it tighten things up. Between the bars, fairly stiff gas shocks, decent tires and stiffer lowered springs this thing handles REALLY well.

12-25-2006, 06:35 PM	#24
gotchevys? Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 118	Re: Coil spring rear sway bar? Here is a picture of my 1 1/8" rear sway bar from Classic Performance Productshttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220390. It is a "bolt in" kit. I had to fabricate mounting plates on the inside of the trailing arms in order to bolt this up. On the U-shaped bushing brackets when you would line up one hole the other would be in line with the center seam of the trailing arms. The instructions sucked. If you can get over the fact that you need to make mounts then once installed it works awsome. Attached Images __________________ www.fatdaddieshotrods.com

01-07-2007, 02:05 PM	#25
poncho_villa Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Posts: 457	Re: Coil spring rear sway bar? I have a '58 short fleetside on a '64 chassis and it didn't have bars when I bought it. It cornered like a slug. Got a pair of aftermarket just like the ones in the previous post. The handling difference was amazing. Corners like a slot car now. I fully recommend adding these to any truck with a steering wheel.

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