Rear Sway Bars for Dummies
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Rear Sway Bars for Dummies
Can someone give me some information of rear sway bars?
It appears the rear sway bar on my 1971 BB corvette is missing....
I know it has something to do with the suspension.
But why would someone remove it?
I would like to replace it in the plan that I will get this car judged one day for NCRS.
What do I need to look for when I purchase one? Are they date coded and have to get one that came from a 1971 BB car?
Thanks all for the information.
It appears the rear sway bar on my 1971 BB corvette is missing....
I know it has something to do with the suspension.
But why would someone remove it?
I would like to replace it in the plan that I will get this car judged one day for NCRS.
What do I need to look for when I purchase one? Are they date coded and have to get one that came from a 1971 BB car?
Thanks all for the information.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
Can someone give me some information of rear sway bars?
It appears the rear sway bar on my 1971 BB corvette is missing....
I know it has something to do with the suspension.
But why would someone remove it?
I would like to replace it in the plan that I will get this car judged one day for NCRS.
What do I need to look for when I purchase one? Are they date coded and have to get one that came from a 1971 BB car?
Thanks all for the information.
It appears the rear sway bar on my 1971 BB corvette is missing....
I know it has something to do with the suspension.
But why would someone remove it?
I would like to replace it in the plan that I will get this car judged one day for NCRS.
What do I need to look for when I purchase one? Are they date coded and have to get one that came from a 1971 BB car?
Thanks all for the information.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Your AIM shows the complete factory installation and lists the original part numbers. It's bolt up once you get the parts together.
Doesn't your car have a fiberglass spring? The PO could have removed the rear bar at the time the spring was installed.
...But why would someone remove it?...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi BV,
I believe the sway bar will need to be a used original but the end linkages are being reproduced.
Here's a picture of a smaller 7/16" sway bar with the linkage. The linkage consists of the same parts for the larger sway bar for your bb. Note the typical colors of the linkage parts, and the finish on the fasteners, in the third picture.
Often, (not always) the used sway bars still have the linkage parts attached... that would be a nice find for you.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I believe the sway bar will need to be a used original but the end linkages are being reproduced.
Here's a picture of a smaller 7/16" sway bar with the linkage. The linkage consists of the same parts for the larger sway bar for your bb. Note the typical colors of the linkage parts, and the finish on the fasteners, in the third picture.
Often, (not always) the used sway bars still have the linkage parts attached... that would be a nice find for you.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 3, 2014 at 09:57 AM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi CJ,
The first 2 are pictures from my 71 about 10 years ago, but the third picture is of a restored LS6 chassis and running gear that was on display at the NCRS National Convention in Novi, Michigan a few years ago.
Regards,
Alan
The first 2 are pictures from my 71 about 10 years ago, but the third picture is of a restored LS6 chassis and running gear that was on display at the NCRS National Convention in Novi, Michigan a few years ago.
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
LOL..........Me too !!! Glad to know I am not the only one who feels that way. Alan's work is always top notch as is all of his posts !!!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
I found my factory rear sway bar on eBay for less than $50. Had to buy new bushings.
Be sure and check the front bar size. The setup if I remember is 1.125 front and 9/16 rear. You need that thick front if you are adding a rear bar. I am delighted with that setup in mine. Definite handling improvement.
Be sure and check the front bar size. The setup if I remember is 1.125 front and 9/16 rear. You need that thick front if you are adding a rear bar. I am delighted with that setup in mine. Definite handling improvement.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Thanks all for the replies. I do not know if the front bar is still there. Would I be able to see it without putting the car on the lift. Thanks for posting pricing info as well above.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
The blackvette, through seeing various posts by you, its easy to tell that you have a sense of humor and a keen interest in the hobby.
With that said, Im hoping that you will not be offended when I say this:
Your homework this weekend is to buy the Assembly Instruction Manual, and from this point forward, it is required reading each time you visit the toilet.
With that said, Im hoping that you will not be offended when I say this:
Your homework this weekend is to buy the Assembly Instruction Manual, and from this point forward, it is required reading each time you visit the toilet.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi bv,
Since the rear sway bar links shown in the picture aren't 'drooping' down,
I'll bet the bar is there too.
When you go about getting an original type rear spring add the bolts that mount the spring to the trailing arms. The ones on your mono spring are longer aftermarket bolts.
Regards,
Alan
Since the rear sway bar links shown in the picture aren't 'drooping' down,
I'll bet the bar is there too.
When you go about getting an original type rear spring add the bolts that mount the spring to the trailing arms. The ones on your mono spring are longer aftermarket bolts.
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 42
From: Los Angeles CA
Not a AIM.... But could help theblackvette negotiate his way. Check out this thread. 2 great resources.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...post1585825185
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...post1585825185