Looking for a recommendation on an aftermarket sway bar for my Skylark's front end. What is the OEM size of the original and what aftermarket sizes and brands are available? Pros and Con? Already added the rear sway bar and noticed the difference in handling was so much better that I would like to improve the front if possible.
Try to find a '70-'81 Pontiac Trans Am front sway bar - they are 1.25". I installed one on the front of my '72 and it makes the Buick stay level when making those quick turns. Read George's article for more info: http://www.buickperformance.com/swaybar.htm
Ditto what Chris said above, 1.25 inch diameter is the way to go. I think stock is like 15/16 inch but I could be wrong.
The bigger the better as far as I'm concerned. The original on my `65 was a 3/4", then I upgraded to one I took off a `70 GS350 car, which was 1". It made a difference but not what I expected, then I upgraded to an aftermarket 1 5/16". Now we're talkin' :grin: That one made a huge difference.
I have a T/A bar on mine and love it. Been there 30 years and finally wore out the urethane bushings and had to replace them. If you want something even bigger, Hellwig 5700 is a 1 5/16" bar that comes with all the mounting hardware for a little over $218 on ebay. I have their rear bar on my Tundra and it is a well made, functional part. http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=hellwig+5700
Thanks for all the info everybody! I see that Hellwig makes 1 5/16 and 1 1/4 bars that come either solid or tubular. Other than the tubular sway being lighter is there any great difference between the two?
Not at all. The metal is tempered steel, so it's main purpose is do not flex. The metal will react just like the metal in the solid bar will. KFD
But, if you get lucky you can score a T/A sway bar for $20 in the junk yard. I think I paid less than that for mine.
George---GStage1 is west of Orlando and he's a great source. I got my Trans Am bar from him. He's always looking. Art RTR
I just got one from a 79 Trans Am on Sat....1.25" with brkts and mounting bushings....would strongly suggest you use the bushings and end link kits I have listed in the article. $50 and you can pick it up.
I got lucky and only paid $15 for mine at a swap meet. I was told it was a Hellwig but there's nothing stamped on it so I have no way of knowing for sure. Doesn't really matter to me, I couldn't be happier with it.
I did this exact set up on my '71 GS. Works great, but I'm now getting a clunking sound when I turn in a certain direction. Any suggestions on how to fix this? Thanks
Sounds like a suspension item...one of the ball joint sockets is going bad....so check the tie rods, center link, idler arm.....have an assistant wiggle the tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions while you watch all the suspension items for play.
Possible, but this problem arose immediately after installing the 1.25" sway bar & bushings, so not likely. Any other suggestions? Thanks
i put 1.25 inch on my 64 and it is reaaaallllllly close to the idler arm. I'm not sure about the later cars but you may want to check the idler arm.
Is bar centered, car lowered?...if bar/links, should be easy to find. Turn wheels to where clunk, have helper turn steering wheel back and forth to make noise while your look for point of contact...if only occurs while driving, have helper "bounce" ft end rather than turn steering wheel...otherwise what George said...
Check to see that the end links are long enough. If they aren't, it can scrub the tie rod adjusters at odd times. I took mine and rotated the adjusters so the bolts/nuts are on the bottom and it has at least 3/4" clearance now.
