I bought a rear sway bar a few years ago, but never got around to installing it. Well, I'm thinking that now is the time. I've read a few articles on how to do this (http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/chassis-suspension/1018/ and http://blog.ecklerschevelle.com/installing-rear-sway-bar/ to name a couple). I have stock, unboxed arms, but with the holes already drilled. Both tech articles mention using spacers inside of the arm, but none of the installation kits that I can find (including those on Eckler's website, where the one article is posted) mention including spacers. They seem to include shims, bolts, nuts, and maybe washers, but there is no mention of spacers. Does anyone here know where I can purchase a kit that includes spacers or what I can use for a spacer? Thanks in advance.
Have a look at this video, maybe it will give you some ideas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4kW0pFSW6Y
I'd like to avoid removing the arms, and I don't have the ability to weld. Most sway bars come with an installation kit that includes spacers, but most installation kits by themselves don't come with spacers. I'm just trying to find a kit that does include spacers if it exists, or dimensions for them that I can use as a guide to get something that's usable at the local hardware store.
How about buying some boxed arms? http://www.ebay.com/itm/68-72-GM-A-...rms-/301736656940?hash=item4640e8002c&vxp=mtr All you need for spacers are some metal bushings. Just measure inside the control arm for the width, and the hole on the bushing has to be big enough for the bolts to go through. Something like this, http://www.lowes.com/pd_475813-37672-58628_1z0yk27__?productId=4638995&pl=1
How big of a deal is it to replace the arms? The bushings on mine probably aren't in the best shape. If the spacers weren't available, my plan was to buy some metal bushings that look like that. I just figured I would check to see if the spacers were available first. Thanks!
Got 'em. I have a mechanic's pit, so accessing the bolts with weight on the tires shouldn't be a big deal. Should I still use spacers with the boxed arms? Most forum sites seem to indicate no, but figured I'd ask.
No, the wheels need to be off the ground. You unbolt one side at a time and replace the arms. Jack stands under the frame in the rear. Jack under the nose of the pumpkin. When you remove the old arm, and bolt in the new one, you need to raise or lower the jack a small amount to get the holes to line up. Just takes a little patience, but not a hard job. Torque the bolts with wheels on the ground, very important! You can't use spacers with boxed arms. The spacers go inside the arm to support the arm where the sway bar bolts go through. The boxed arms are closed all the way around, no way to get them in there.
I just finished work on the rear of my 71 350 Skylark. I added boxed lower arms and tubular uppers. I also installed the sway bar I purchased last year- it came with spacers that i don't need. If you need them, you can have them for the cost of the ride from 63116.
Derrin, Your PM box is full. Hiya Derrin, I've no idea what shipping will cost.. Maybe 8 or 10 bucks? I do not accept Paypal for payment. Send me your address, I'll ship them and let you know what it cost. You can then send me a personal check, or Money Order. Good? Brian.
Sorry, I didn't realize my inbox was full until I got the email telling me so. That will work for me! I'll pm you my address.
Yes! They arrived Monday, but I didn't see them until yesterday since my wife got the mail on Monday. I sent your check today, so hopefully you'll get it soon. I did try to message you yesterday p The installation kit I ordered wasn't shipped until almost a week after I ordered it, so it won't get here until Friday. Hopefully, I'll get everything installed during the hurricane this weekend. (I've got a newly rebuilt Quadrajet arriving tomorrow to replace the Edelbrock that's on there now!) I'll probably switch to the boxed rear arms when I get a posi carrier and new gears in my rear, but this setup will do just fine until I get around to that :grin:
I got the sway bar installed and finally was able to drive the car. It corners much better with significantly less body roll. Thanks to Brian for sending the spacers! Now, I just need to get my front right wheel bearing to stop coming loose. Hopefully, I can get that figured out this week.
