Front swaybar for 4WD Blazer - interest in having one made

[68ls1]

So as I understand there is currently no off the shelf front sway bar product to suit 1st Gen 4WD Blazer.
You can adapt from a later 70's Blazer making custom mounting brackets.
There is differing advice on web about the Addco 141 fitting.

I have asked Ring Brothers about the swaybar used on Seaker, and was advised built by Ridetech.

Wondering if there would be any interest from others if they would manufacture this kit. I figure more chance of getting produced if there is more than just one to build.

[hemi43]

The 73-up sway bars fit perfectly on the earlier Blazers, so no need for aftermarket. The modification needed to to make the 73-up brackets fit only takes a couple minutes. The best way to do this swap is to use a 73-up front crossmember, then the brackets don't need to be modified, but this is a bit more work.

[Spf79]

Originally Posted by hemi43

The 73-up sway bars fit perfectly on the earlier Blazers, so no need for aftermarket. The modification needed to to make the 73-up brackets fit only takes a couple minutes. The best way to do this swap is to use a 73-up front crossmember, then the brackets don't need to be modified, but this is a bit more work.

Here is mine with the 73+ front cross member & sway bar. This was added by the previous owner. I added ORD shackle releases at the mounting points due to my lift. I have not driven it, therefore I can't give feedback on how it has helped with the handling. It appears to be an easy mod. The brackets attached to the front crossmember are from ORD as well.

ORD is short for Offroad design.

[lpwcruzr]

A bolt in sway bar would be a nice addition. Depending on price, obviously.

[Subdude59]

I’m looking to add one to my 71 Blazer. I’d be interested in a sway bar parts kit if it were on the market. Keep me posted. Thanks

[Spf79]

Originally Posted by Subdude59

I’m looking to add one to my 71 Blazer. I’d be interested in a sway bar parts kit if it were on the market. Keep me posted. Thanks

Sway Bar Kits - Sway Bar Accessories - Suspension
https://www.offroaddesign.com/suspen...-bar-kits.html

Look at this one. I would think... that if you got the 73+ u-bolt brackets that sit on top of the axle from a wrecking yard... you could make this work.

[1rippen6]

I still may have a 73 front crossmember but don't believe I have the swaybar any longer. I can look tomorrow and get a picture if you are interested.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

I still may have a 73 front crossmember but don't believe I have the swaybar any longer. I can look tomorrow and get a picture if you are interested.

If you have a 73-up crossmember, could you post a pic of the lower corners. This is the area that is slightly different to accept the brackets. Thanks

[1rippen6]

Let me know if you need more.

[hemi43]

Thanks for that! I just wanted to point out where the difference is between the 72-down and 73-up crossmember. On the 73-up, the bracket for the sway bar hold down is sandwiched between the front crossmember and the frame, but on the 72-down, the crossmember is riveted right to the frame and that's why the swaybar hold down brackets don't fit. What I did was notch the brackets (red lines) to clear that area and now use 3 bolts instead of 4.

[1rippen6]

So you just used the lower corner pieces and left your original crossmember in place?

[Spf79]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

So you just used the lower corner pieces and left your original crossmember in place?

Maybe I am mistaken then. Looking at other trucks I was figuring that I have a 73+ cross member. ??? Here are pics of what I have.

[seik5]

I know this is a dumb question but I am interested in expectations of adding the sway bar. I assume this replaces the stabilizer shock. I never really liked the way the front end of 72 k5 felt when driving after the 2" lift was added, It is in full restoration mode now and would be a good to time to upgrade. The thing is after the restoration it probably won't see much off- road action just the way it is after dumbing $$ k into it. It will see lots of street miles. And
yes the lift stays!

[Ptjsk]

Absolutely interested!

Pat

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by seik5

I know this is a dumb question but I am interested in expectations of adding the sway bar. I assume this replaces the stabilizer shock. I never really liked the way the front end of 72 k5 felt when driving after the 2" lift was added, It is in full restoration mode now and would be a good to time to upgrade. The thing is after the restoration it probably won't see much off- road action just the way it is after dumbing $$ k into it. It will see lots of street miles. And
yes the lift stays!

The stabilizer has nothing to do with the sway bar. It's used mainly for off road and will help to prevent breaking any fingers on your steering wheel in case you bounce your tire off of a rock. If you'll never go off road, then the stabilizer will do basically nothing. I did put one on my truck but mainly for looks. As I've said before, more caster and a sway bar makes these trucks handle great especially if there's any lift.

[awelle01]

Originally Posted by Spf79

Here is mine with the 73+ front cross member & sway bar. This was added by the previous owner. I added ORD shackle releases at the mounting points due to my lift. I have not driven it, therefore I can't give feedback on how it has helped with the handling. It appears to be an easy mod. The brackets attached to the front crossmember are from ORD as well.

ORD is short for Offroad design.

I put the same exact setup on my k5, with the addition of steering stabilizers and a 3" lift and it handles great (however I have only driven one other blazer to compare it to)

[71KYK5]

I would be interested. I have a pacific fab LS front crossmember though. Does anyone know if the 73+ swaybar from ORD would be easily modified to work with this crossmember?
thanks

[JMac11]

I have the Pacific Crossmember and it was not an issue with the crossmember swap. My 5.3 is moved forward to accommodate the longer transmission FYI

[1rippen6]

I have the one picture I'll sell, I also have the sway bar and bolts.