I got scared... Need advice
 

Hi all,

So yesterday I was out driving the Jimmy and I had to go a couple of miles on the highway. I'm doing 65 when some idiot does something stupid in front of me and I had to quickly away to the side to avoid hitting him. Very exciting, but unfortunately not that uncommon in my area.

The scary part was the massive body roll. I turned slight left and sharp right as this happened. The front left part of the car dipped down so low that I was worried I was about to flip over. I kind of got out of it but now that I know the experience I don't want to have that happen again....

Ok so it was really scary and that made me wonder what I can do about it. Do they make swaybars for these trucks? I saw this stuff http://sokyclassics.com/product.php?section=1002085

Does any of it work? Is it straight boot in? Will it help for what I described?

My 72 GMC Jimmy is stock 4x4. No lift or anything. I have relatively cheap shocks, kyb gas-a-just. I emailed Bilstein to get their shocks but they told me they didn't have anything that fits so I just put on cheap shocks for now.

What do you guys recommend? Change the shocks (and if so to what?).
Put on a away bar kit? Is there a holt-on kit that works and doesn't require require a bunch of metal work?

Looking for advise. I won't go off-roading in this truck.

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

You can use a 73-up sway bar. If you use your truck off-road and want to keep the original travel in the front suspension you can use a quick-disconnect.

Here's a link that might help:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4935792

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

I read on some other posts that those sway bars aren't a straight bolt on. Do they just go on? I won't be off-roading in the truck.

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

You will have to remove the front cross member and replace it with the later model one...... or fabricate some brackets to mount the sway bar to it.....

also you will need the top spring u-bolt plates that have a stud on them to mount the sway bar ends to

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

A lot of the roll will be from the 15” tires. Even in the 28” range they have a lot of sidewall. What size tires are you running?

A set of 17” rims and 265 70 17 would be equivalent to a 32” 10.5” tire on a 15” rim. With two full inches less of sidewall.

If you have a tire in the 30” range, a 245 70 17 would be 30” 9.5” 15 equivalent or close to it making for even less sidewall roll.

I also would recommend a set of Bilstein shocks for your truck.

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

I've been trying to find Bilsteins, and they don't show any for the '72 Blazer/Jimmy.

Pat

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

I have stock rims. I have a set of Yokohama geolandar m/t tires on, total height is about 31".

I can't find a set of Bilstein that fit. Any recommendations?

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

I'm afraid it's the nature of the beast, you may have to change your driving style, give yourself more room, drive as though every one IS going to cut you off

Hi C/G is against you, but agree with help above

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

May not hurt to look at your body mounts and leaf spring bushings. If they are shot that will could add to the body roll you are feeling.

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

I think i have already internalized that my driving style and distances to cars around me has already changed....

New bushings and body mounts across the truck.

I think my shocks aren't that great through. They where the cheapest i could find. would not mind a pointer to which model bilsteins may work -perhaps not to solve the body roll issue but to get a nicer shock than the cheapest KYB.

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

If you don't have a roll bar take a peek at this thread if you haven't already.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619086

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

Addco makes sway bars for application, model 202 1" rear and model 141 11/8" front. Sorry to hear of you close call, thank god nothing happened. Your Jimmy is beautiful. Glad I got to see it in person before you took it home.

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

If your springs are the original, negative arch type, that will give you roll also. Might want to opt for a minimal lift or at least an add-a-lift heavy duty base spring

Re: I got scared... Need advice
 

It looks like addco offers an aftermarket kit that should work. I've been perusing their website and i am going to consider going down that path.

I drove the truck to a shop to check the alternator and tune the carb this morning and while i was driving i realized that i have changed the way i drive by a lot..... :)