62 Front SwayBar Installation

[Joe Pass]

I have been watching along and see the 60-62 front Torsion Swaybar modification is kind of a mystery. No one makes a specific one and if your like me, I like the torsion style suspension despite its down falls in handling.

I finished my 62 stepside frame off and so far logged about a 150 miles on it. Now that I have dialed in a few things like the brakes and engine/trans issues I decided to tackle the handling. I ordered from Summit Racing the "Addco 117" replacement 1-1/8" SB for the later C-10 and 20 trucks. I figure if it was not going to work they would take it back with out issue. Following are some photos of the installation that gives you an idea on how it went.
Mock up

[Joe Pass]

I had to make some blocks 1" thick to clear the steering box

[Joe Pass]

I used the supplied "L" brackets and drilled and attach to the A-frames equally spaced and temporarily bolted/clamped in position

[Joe Pass]

With the links snugged up you are able to drill the blocks after you center them square on the frame. The frame begins an arc upward just behind the blocks and leaves a small gap between the frame and block. I used 2"long 3/8" bolts(grade 8) and lock nuts to install them. As I torqued them up the frames arc flattened to blocks so no gap shows

[Joe Pass]

I removed everything and dressed up the blocks and de-burred holes and reinstalled it complete....

[Joe Pass]

And if your work bench looks like this then your done.....

[blown240]

Nice write up! That bench look too clean!

[slepysal]

Subscribed ! Great write up, thanks ! Looks good. Did you have to reinforce the hole you drilled on the A Arm?

[Joe Pass]

I was planning on reinforcing it but when I actually bolted it up it was pretty stout. The A frame is pretty thick in that area....I'm waiting for this big storm to pass for a test drive.

[61_FL_Apache]

Great job!! I would like to do this to my 61.

[par4tom]

Great looking project! Did you have to order the bushings or did the come with the kit?

If not too much trouble, I'd like to see your parts list.

Best thread on sway bars yet!!!
Tom

[Joe Pass]

The Swaybar came with the hardware and polyurethane bushings, but I added the following...

4ea. 3/8x2" bolts/nuts grade 8.
2ea. 3/8x1.25 bolts/nuts grade 8
2ea. aluminum blocks I made from 1" thick scrap approx (1.5"wide x 4" long)

They give you 3/8 bolts, but they are cheap and not long enough for the bushing/blocks.
You can use other methods to space the bushing/blocks, but I had this scrap and thought It would also match the lowering blocks in the rear
This how it's sitting right now

[LostMy65]

Thank you!

My 65 is on a 62 frame, so this is definitely an upgrade I want to do.

[OldGMJon]

Originally Posted by Joe Pass

I was planning on reinforcing it but when I actually bolted it up it was pretty stout. The A frame is pretty thick in that area....I'm waiting for this big storm to pass for a test drive.

boy! this storm is raging here on the Mendo coast...may take a while for that test drive...

[Joe Pass]

I guess I can wait for the test drive.....5yrs of drought allowed me to bodywork/paint the truck all thru last winter outside. Payback Time...
I should mention that the chrome brackets were something gifted to me so I used them. The ones in the kit are good and stout cad plated, but hey, free chrome is free chrome.

[OldGMJon]

Originally Posted by Joe Pass

I guess I can wait for the test drive.....5yrs of drought allowed me to bodywork/paint the truck all thru last winter outside. Payback Time...
I should mention that the chrome brackets were something gifted to me so I used them. The ones in the kit are good and stout cad plated, but hey, free chrome is free chrome.

You got a real nice stepper, you did a great job on the frame-off. Wish I had your garage.

[par4tom]

I'm ordering my kit tomorrow. Thanks for a great post.

Would you use the same exact sway bar again. One a bit wider, narrower?

Tom

[Joe Pass]

Originally Posted by OldGMJon

You got a real nice stepper, you did a great job on the frame-off. Wish I had your garage.

Thank you...

[Joe Pass]

Originally Posted by par4tom

I'm ordering my kit tomorrow. Thanks for a great post.

Would you use the same exact sway bar again. One a bit wider, narrower?

Tom

I would use the same Swaybar over again...in my case it was just the right width.
Its application is for a 1975 C-10-20, the Addco 117 is rather a universal style than the stock style one on my 75 C-20. I realized that this style would actually work better on my 62 using the supplied angle attachments on the lower A arms. All I really had to figure out is the spacer block thickness to clear the bumper bracket edges and steering gear box as the Swaybar moves up and down.
You might not need the spacer blocks if you have the stock steering box and the bumper brackets can be trimmed with out issues. You would just have to see mocking it up.
Its a no-brainer and easy to do now that I have done one....Joe

[slepysal]

It's feast or famine when it comes to rain lately, crazy wet December, driest January .
Looking forward to the test drive update
and I agree nice looking ride.

[Joe Pass]

Originally Posted by slepysal

It's feast or famine when it comes to rain lately, crazy wet December, driest January .
Looking forward to the test drive update
and I agree nice looking ride.

Thank You....
I'm like a kid looking out the window watching the rain wanting to go play. I'm hoping Tuesday or Wednesday will be dry for a test drive.
I will update soon to let you know how much this Swaybar helps handling
Joe

[markeb01]

Man your truck looks clean. I really like how you have it set up. Thanks for taking the time to document the details of your sway bar install. Should be a benchmark reference point for a lot of 60-62 owners.

I did a similar install on my 1960 about 20 years ago using a Mustang II aftermarket bar. The installation was rather ugly, but it made a ton of difference in the handling/cornering of the truck. Once the weather passes I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

[Joe Pass]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Man your truck looks clean. I really like how you have it set up. Thanks for taking the time to document the details of your sway bar install. Should be a benchmark reference point for a lot of 60-62 owners.

I did a similar install on my 1960 about 20 years ago using a Mustang II aftermarket bar. The installation was rather ugly, but it made a ton of difference in the handling/cornering of the truck. Once the weather passes I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

Thank you for the compliments...
My build goal was as if GM made this truck today keeping the outward changes subtle and the modernized unseen at first glance.
I saw on your build thread and liked your steering wheel write up.
I settle on a 62 Nova wheel to keep the theme, but also noticed that the larger diameter added to the handling dilemma. You wouldn't think driving with a steering wheel a bit larger would add to the slower handling but it does.
I will see if the Swaybar calms down the steering and people will stop thinking I'm waving my hands at them.

[OldGMJon]

Originally Posted by Joe Pass

Thank you for the compliments...
My build goal was as if GM made this truck today keeping the outward changes subtle and the modernized unseen at first glance.
I saw on your build thread and liked your steering wheel write up.
I settle on a 62 Nova wheel to keep the theme, but also noticed that the larger diameter added to the handling dilemma. You wouldn't think driving with a steering wheel a bit larger would add to the slower handling but it does.
I will see if the Swaybar calms down the steering and people will stop thinking I'm waving my hands at them.
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looks great! yeah the bigger the diameter the slower the circle turns...

[notsolo]

Great write up...You truck is super clean inside and out. Subtle details are perfect. Thanks for sharing.