Sway bar tutorial
The aftermarket starts to get a little confusing with their different methods of mounting and providing clearance. It's interesting though.
(All in reference to my '69 here - sorry)...
Judging at least from Summit's site, it looks as though the
Addco is bent inward more (than
Helwig's at least) right before the ends, but mounts rather low on the arm, so this is necessary for clearance(?). The frame mounts look higher on the Addco and so doesn't require the kink in the middle to clear the k-member-to-rad-support bracket.
I really like the clearance provided by the Hotchkis setup - kind of a hybrid piece (as mentioned) that brings the bar inside the strut rod just slightly and mounts similar to the 73-76 bars, but geez - 1 1/2" diameter !? Are they really hardcore or something? I don't see any other diameters listed. Has anyone had a smaller bar made on request?
What bar(s) do the
Energy brackets fit? Just stock? Because they look a lot like the FF, Helwig, and Hotchkis brackets but with smaller diameter bushings.
Personally, I'm not looking to change the K-member or LCAs out, so aftermarket it is. I agree - Addco bracketry looks sucky. Ultimately, I will have rear facing calipers with 225/50-16 in front which means 5" backspacing (w/ factory bar at least). Perhaps that wouldn't put factory type brackets out completely as I have welder, some skill, and materials... Just looking to be very cost efficient yet effective in my case - which will be mostly street duty w/ slant 6 by the way.