Sway bar on a 63 with a later model cross member

[nsb29]

Scoti pretty much summed it up you have to drill one hole in each A-frame and two in each frame rail no stands required the truck is a 65

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

That is an aftermarket sway bar in his image. Some of them utilize the end-link attachment method like cars would have vs the factory method of shell/bushing bolted directly to the a-arm. They usually do require drilling extra holes for mounting.

Put the center of whatever sway bar you have on a jack. Mount each side to the a-arm. Raise the bar until the frame rail mounts contact the frame. Drill holes where necessary. Install hardware & tighten.

Originally Posted by nsb29

Scoti pretty much summed it up you have to drill one hole in each A-frame and two in each frame rail no stands required the truck is a 65

I don’t think so; it’s a good 4-1/2” too short from the original mounts. I can see making some holes to mount, however, it would then come too close to the idler and pitman arms.
Just not going to work.

[nsb29]

63/72 is the same 74/80 sum thing is the same all though I see where some of the aftermarket ones advertise 63/80 sum thing but they are a lot more money I would get an aftermarket one for 63/72 if you want I can get you measurements off mine

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by nsb29

63/72 is the same 74/80 sum thing is the same all though I see where some of the aftermarket ones advertise 63/80 sum thing but they are a lot more money I would get an aftermarket one for 63/72 if you want I can get you measurements off mine

If you could get your measurements for the sway bar, I would appreciate it.

Mine is about 15” deep, 38” wide.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Asshat

I don’t think so; it’s a good 4-1/2” too short from the original mounts. I can see making some holes to mount, however, it would then come too close to the idler and pitman arms.
Just not going to work.

When the sway bar is being installed, the suspension needs to be compressed @ ride height (it's normal position). They way you are set-up in your images, it's extended.

Was the bar you pulled off & sold w/the previous suspension factory installed & similar to the unit you're installing w/the later model year x-member? I never knew 63's came w/sway bars but I suppose they could have.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

When the sway bar is being installed, the suspension needs to be compressed @ ride height (it's normal position). They way you are set-up in your images, it's extended.

Was the bar you pulled off & sold w/the previous suspension factory installed & similar to the unit you're installing w/the later model year x-member? I never knew 63's came w/sway bars but I suppose they could have.

I tried installing it last night, with the truck sitting on the ground, not extended.

The 73 original cross member did have a sway bar. There are holes in the frame. That original sway bar was a smaller diameter. The one from the 74 cross member is 1”.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

When the sway bar is being installed, the suspension needs to be compressed @ ride height (it's normal position). They way you are set-up in your images, it's extended.

Originally Posted by Asshat

I tried installing it last night, with the truck sitting on the ground, not extended.

I mentioned about the truck being on jack-stands the way it was in the images just to ensure you were aware that the actual installation should be done w/weight on the suspension if/when drilling any new holes.

Originally Posted by SCOTI

....Was the bar you pulled off & sold w/the previous suspension factory installed & similar to the unit you're installing w/the later model year x-member? I never knew 63's came w/sway bars but I suppose they could have.

Originally Posted by Asshat

....The 73 original cross member did have a sway bar. There are holes in the frame. That original sway bar was a smaller diameter. The one from the 74 cross member is 1”.

My question is was that previous bar similar to the current bar you're trying to install?

Were the end link bushings the same style as the frame mounting bushings?
Were there frame stands that the bar mounted to or was the previous set-up (that you sold) bolted directly to the frame?

These 63-87 C10 trucks had the factory sway bars mounted to factory attached frame stands & used the same bushing arrangement @ the frame & control arm pivot points. We need to understand what you likely had vs. what you're trying to put in. Knowing that info might shed insight on the differences you're experiencing.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I mentioned about the truck being on jack-stands the way it was in the images just to ensure you were aware that the actual installation should be done w/weight on the suspension if/when drilling any new holes.



My question is was that previous bar similar to the current bar you're trying to install?

Were the end link bushings the same style as the frame mounting bushings?
Were there frame stands that the bar mounted to or was the previous set-up (that you sold) bolted directly to the frame?

These 63-87 C10 trucks had the factory sway bars mounted to factory attached frame stands & used the same bushing arrangement @ the frame & control arm pivot points. We need to understand what you likely had vs. what you're trying to put in. Knowing that info might shed insight on the differences you're experiencing.

Looked at some old photos, appears it was mounted to a raised standoff, and more forward, on a bracket-plate. This is the only picture I could find.

Guess I will have to look for an aftermarket sway bar.

[nsb29]

This is as close as I can measure I cold be off a inch

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Asshat

Looked at some old photos, appears it was mounted to a raised standoff, and more forward, on a bracket-plate. This is the only picture I could find.

Guess I will have to look for an aftermarket sway bar.

Definitely utilized different a-arm mounting.

The options are drill new holes in the frame to use the 74 model bar or spend the money to purchase an aftermarket set-up.