[66GMC]

I'm adding a front sway bar that was originally from my 1979 C20 "donor truck" onto my 66 GMC.

I used the original (worn out) bushings to do the "mock up" and make sure that everything would fit... and it DID! It was a simple matter of positioning the brackets at the ends of the bar into the existing holes in the lower a-frames, then jacking the bar up into position on the frame. The frame brackets from the C20 fit LIKE A GLOVE to my 66 frame! I had to drill the holes to bolt them on, but other than that it was a peice of cake.

So today, I finally got around to replacing those worn bushings with some really nice blue (NAPA Chassis) ones... but I'm a little concerned with the "fit".

In their relaxed state, they fit perfectly on the bar ... but there was about 1/4" or so of the "D" sticking out beyond the end of the "U" - clamps.

I put much of this story, along with pictures, into my project journal.
Would anyone / someone / everyone be so kind as to have a look, and tell me what they think?

(Warning ... sunglasses may be required.)

[willys36@aol.com]

That is a catchy color scheme, no doubt about it! Looks to me line the "U"s are too small for the rubbers. Where did they come from? Did the NAPA book list a custom one to go with their rubbers? Regardless, I think they will function just fine but look ugly doing it. You may be down to bending up some custom ones that fit better from bar steel.

[66GMC]

Originally Posted by willys36@aol.com

That is a catchy color scheme, no doubt about it! Looks to me line the "U"s are too small for the rubbers. Where did they come from? Did the NAPA book list a custom one to go with their rubbers? Regardless, I think they will function just fine but look ugly doing it. You may be down to bending up some custom ones that fit better from bar steel.

Yeah, I think you're right with the "U's too small for the rubbers" thing ... although when you put them "side by each" with the originals, you'll notice that while the overall height is much taller, but the "groove" that the u-clamps fit into appears to be pretty close.

The 1-1/4" sway bar, frame brackets, and clamps (everything actually) are off of my 1979 C20 "donor" truck. The lower control arms (well, the whole suspension clip) are from a 1976 C10.

I didn't look in the NAPA Chassis catalog for a u-clamp ... I didn't think that I would need it as the bushings were ordered to fit a 79 C20. I would have suspected that they were packaged wrong, but all 4 bushings (2 seperate boxes of 2 each) were all identical.

Yes, perhaps I may have to have some new clamps bent (that was a good suggestion) ... or try another supplier for the rubbers.

Thanks for taking a look.

[willys36@aol.com]

I usually end up having to make parts like that all the time 'cause I usually lose the little things I get at the junk yard!

[astroracer]

I wouldn't worry about it.. anything you do to make them "look" better will affect their operation. The poly bushings are inherently stiffer then the rubber ones and this is why you are seeing some distortion. I would turn the bushings so the slit is at the back, out of sight, and leave it at that.
Mark