Adding a rear sway bar to my 71 GS.

That being said I have read numerous posts and I've got a few questions / comments. PLease let me know if my thinking is correct.

1) Adding a rear sway bar without boxing the control arms is not recommended.

2) What diameter was the stock GM bar? I assume this is one case where bigger is not necessarily better.

3) I read many posts that mentioned kits to box the sway bars, but never where to get them.

4) Box the old ones or just buy new boxed control arms?

Any other tips thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks! :TU:

 

1. you will break stuff or bend control arm

2. inch i think

3.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/64-7...ryZ34200QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

4. 30 bucks for inserts 100 bucks for boxed do the math

 

What size bar is currently on the front?

How big are your tires?

Both of these factors dictate the effectiveness of the bar you choose.

 

Front Bar - 1"

Tire Size - 225 - 70 x 14

 

The factory bar is still available. If you order from your local GM Dealer there is no shipping charges and it will come pretty quick, sometimes next day. I can buy it at my Chevy dealer for $98.73 plus tax, no shipping. Here is the link to gmpartsdirect.com, the number is 394926, the size is .875" diameter.
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm
Good luck, BTW I have used the insert kit with perfect results, I have a set in my stash for future use.
Mike

 

Looks great!! Got a source for the hardware?

Thanks!!

 

http://v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=143761

I got the hardware from TPP on ebay and the control arms from UMI on ebay and the bar from the dealer.

Bert

 

TPP - The Parts Place

UMI - ?

Thanks Bert!

 

http://stores.ebay.com/UMI-Performance-Inc

Devon

 

Thanks Devon! :TU:

 

is there any advantage over the stockers on the umi other than them being pretty

 

I just installed the UMI units 2 days ago , but haven't driven the car yet . They are substantially thicker material , and the bushings are state of the art , not just plain rubber . Grease fittings are also installed on them . They really beef up the rear end of the car.If you look at the time/cost of taking factory ones, sandblasting them , boxing them , priming/ painting , installing new rubber bushings , you are not saving a whole lot over simply ordering and bolting them in. My 2 cents.:TU:

 

Thanks for the heads up Kevin! :TU:

 

Boxing the lower control arms are the correct way to go. However, if you don't feel like doing that right away, you can make spacers to put in the arms.
What I have done is this. Get the correct size bolts that fit the existing holes in the arms. Go to the plumbing section of Home Depot/Lowes or what ever you have locally and look for metal pipe that the bolts can fit through. Cut 4 sections of the pipe that fit snugly into the lower arms. You can now install the sway bar and tighten the bolts without crushing the arms.
If you don't think this will work, just look at how the sway bar is attached on the 78-87 Buick Regal/GN. All GM did weld a flat piece of metal between two circular tubes that is then inserted into the open lower arms. Guess they felt that boxing the arms cost too much and the insert was cheaper. ou:

Mark

 

If you want to just use the inserts, the hardware kit that TPP sells has them.
Shims, bolts, nuts, inserts. $10.00 plus $8.00 shipping on ebay.


Bert

 

I also used the UMI lowers. Very nice pieces. I dont have a welder and if I factor in the hassle of getting a friend to do the work after buying the kit and getting new bushings and installing the bushings...
The UMI arms were a bargain.

Bert

 

Just looked it up. Nice kit. :TU: Would cost more in gas just to drive to and from the hardware store.

Mark

 

Just ordered the kit. Had to pay IL sales tax $0.65. :rant:

 

eh ill box mine thats all it cost me is the plates and bushings 50$

 

$85 and change plus shipping was cheaper than the dealer. And no driving!

Thanks!