The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Sway Bars on 54 3100

Have any of you installed sway bars on your 3100's? If so, did you notice an appreciable improvement in handling? I've received conflicting stories on them....

I have them and will put them on my panel when and if I ever get it running.
BUT, for years I have read commemts about how it helps but I must add that most folks say other things have to be right as well like wheel bearings adjusted correctly, no broken springs and tires/rims in good shape.....but I have never heard any "negative" commemts about the sway bars themselves.

Hang tight I'm sure those who have installed them will be along shortly. Just had to add what I know!!....or have heard.

I have the Classic Parts front swaybar and an 89 IROC-Z bar on my 54-3100 and the change in handling was dramatic. It eliminated all of the low speed body roll encountered at under 45 mph and provided vastly improved stability at higher speeds.

The front bar requires NO frame or crossmember drilling as the holes were already present from the factory. The rear j-yard IROC-Z bar was mounted on top of the differential pointing forward and required 2 holes to attach the control links in the rear frame. The distance between the standard Camaro and the IROC-z bar eyes is 39". The control links, without modification were a perfect fit.

I can't think of any other suspension mod that had a more positive effect on overall handling of my truck. I have pictures of the install in my webshots "shoebox" album. Combined with good quality radial tires and gas shocks the addition of swaybars to a straight axle setup are worth the time and money.

The only "conflict" I'm aware of, is running just the front bar only. The combination of bars, is the key to better and safer handling.

Dave

Im getting ready to install a rear sway bar on my 51 this weekend, I'll let you know how it turns out AND how it handles

man, now you guys got me wanting a set of sway bars on my 57. LOL.
once i get it dropped and back on the road, i think that is my next project. LOL.
leonard.

I've got a front sway bar only, made a huge difference in handling. Very little body roll now while cornering.

I have no illusions about my '54 ever becoming a high-performance vehicle, but given that I do drive it a fair amount (often accompanied by one or two of my five young daughters), and the sway bar kits are relatively inexpensive, I thought they were worth investigating. I never know when someone is going to pull out in front of me, or stop suddenly, so if the sway bar kit actually improves handling, they might make the truck even more fun to drive, as well as help save me from some unfortunate encounter down the road.

Thanks for the help, everyone!

I put a front sway bar kit on my 58 & really like it. I tried a steering damper & it was horrible. Downright dangerous. I took it off quick. Probably work good with power steering.

I've installed one on the rear of lucinda (3104) and have not got the truck moving yet. i found the bar on an axle sitting in a field. just dumb luck. adapted it to fit my truck and hope she works like she should. i believe it's off a f0r3!&n truck
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=2748800-R1-045-21.jpg
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=2748800-R1-047-22.jpg

I installed my Rear sway bar and shocks today...And I have to say it was money well spent !!
It handles awesome... Im very happy (and looks cool too )

Looks good Todd!
Are those shocks from Pete and Jakes?

I have a front sway bar taken off of a 1955 Suburban frame, I haven't put it on my '54 GMC yet but after reading all the praise these owners have for sway bars I will install mine soon as I get time, maybe in the next 2 weeks, my truck drives quite well now, but I always welcome improvements.

Yes sir they are ! Thanks Jim ! And that's the sway bar you told me about also, It worked out great !

Todd you get more accomplished in a week than I do in a year!