1971 Skylark front sway bar question

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by eagleguy, Jul 24, 2011.

  1. Steve Craig

    Steve Craig Gold Level Contributor

    I turned the adjuster around 180 deg.. This prevented the bar from rubbing the nuts.
     
  2. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Sounds like you did exactly what I did. Minor but annoying and easily fixed.
     
  3. eagleguy

    eagleguy 1971 Skylark Custom

    Do the larger aftermarket sways present the same problems or are they bent differently to avoid the contact issue?
     
  4. bmiller

    bmiller Active Member

    I put a 1 3/8 Hotchkis bar on my el camino and had to get longer sway bar end links in order to clear the tie rod sleeves. I went from the stock length to 4.25 inches

     
  5. SteeveeDee

    SteeveeDee Orange Acres

    I seem to recall that the '73 455 SD Firebird had a 1-5/8" front stabilizer. Probably pretty rare, now.

    The 1-1/4" bar from a Monte Carlo SS454 fit my old '64 Malibu SS just fine. That thing would corner, let me tell ya. Rear bar was a '65 NASCAR piece I bought when I worked at the Chebby dealer back then.
     
  6. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    1 5/8? Sure it wasn't an 1 5/16? If it wasn't hollow, it would weigh a lot. You're talking header tube size at 1 5/8.
     
  7. SteeveeDee

    SteeveeDee Orange Acres

    I think you are right, although pst does show a 1-3/8" front bar. My recaller seems to be getting more faulty as I age.
     
  8. eagleguy

    eagleguy 1971 Skylark Custom

  9. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    You can get that bar from any 70-81 Trans Am models in the local yards for less than half the price....with shipping from PP you are over $105 and that doesn't include mounting kit and end link kit.
     
  10. idahoskylark

    idahoskylark idahoskylark

    make sure you didnt put it on upside down (yes they will bolt on just fine)
    if its on upsidedown it will make contact with the frame and clunk
    hate to say it but i did it on mine had it laying on ground and mustve flipped it or something when i picked it up
    and yep it clunked when turning right i beleive

    my oe front bar was 7/8 and i put on a 15/16 from a 73 camaro
    didnt notice a difference but it was free and technically bigger
     
  11. eagleguy

    eagleguy 1971 Skylark Custom

    George,

    If I could buy the bar locally I would. Didn't think the price was that bad considering that the 2 hour drive plus gas and tolls would add to the cost of picking up your used bar for $50. I also had a deal going to get the brackets and poly bushing for free!
     
  12. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

  13. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    Sent you a total w/ship.
     
  14. eagleguy

    eagleguy 1971 Skylark Custom

    George,

    Sent you an email! I'm going to need the brackets, bushings and such for the bar from you as they were only gonna be free if I bought the NEW bar.
     

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