Anti -Sway Bar

I've notice that a front sway was an option on these early Econos, mine doesn't have one and wondering if this is a worth while item to add. I'm planning on up grading my front brakes to disc later this summer and figured it would be the time to add a sway bar. What do you all think?

I would definitely add one if I didn't have one on my truck. There are two different styles for the Econolines. Early trucks had a bar with straight ends and later truck had a little bend in the ends. Addco makes a heavy duty 1 inch bar that is much stiffer than stock and comes with all mounting hardware that fits our trucks. Hope this helps.
Duane in Tennessee.

I ve got a straight one(early version) already removed I could bring to Bakers if thats the one you need. They definitely make a difference.

Thanks econopoor and EconoUsa ~ that does help. My next question , if people thought it was worth while, was where to get one. My van is a 66 would I need the earlier straight one or one with the bend?
And I will be at Bakers.

You need the bent one. I ll see if I have time to pull one for you before I head out to Bakers.

I'd like to chime in here. Hey Duane, do you know the part number for that Addco sway bar. I just got off the phone with Addco and Hellwig and both companies say they do not manufacture a front bar for the earlies (I got a '61)

Addco has a rear sway bar that will fit he said, Part No. 393

Thanks,
George

Here's a link to a thread in Econosrus Yahoo group that discusses the Addco bar in full detail and has contact info from the man behind the bar. Addco makes both the straight and bent style bars in one inch size. I can't imagine why they would say they didn't have one. One hand doesn't know what the other is doing!! I got that same problem where I work. LOL.


http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Econosrus/message/23531

Duane in Tennessee.

Thanks Duane. I only got one layer deep at Addco and she said it would only
be a custom-made item. She quoted "about 600 dollars, because we have
to shut down normal production to make one." She got the REAR sway
bar part number though which I thought was strange...

...I got two layers deep at Hellwig, and the tech said they could do something
(meaning custom) during the winter when it was slow...

I'll chase that lead thanks,
George

Custom normally equals expensive. I ve got a stock early one here if you need it. Dennis at D and D is making reproduction ends links that are beefier than stock ones.

Hi Nick,

I may be interested but understand a 1" bar may offer improved
handling. After looking at that thread above, it sounds like Addco did a
limited run of 1" sway bars, and I need to get past the receptionist
and mention that guys' name and hope they still have some left...

Thanks,
George

I sent Addco both styles of sway bar for patterns. They made them and sent me my originals back.
Fred

Hi Fred,

Did Addco assign a part number or other way to ID the parts?
I'd be keen to get a sway bar if they were available, getting tired
of heaving left and right...

George

George ~ If you get any where with Addco let me know, I'm still need a sway bar also. Thanks ~ Tim (aka Linoman)

Just got off the phone with John at Addco; they are presently testing their prototype of the straight version, should be finished in the next couple of weeks.
It will be around $125 with mounting hardware. Unfortunately they are not doing the later one with the bends, but would be willing to if someone out there is willing to send them one to use for a pattern. It sounds like they had one but the owner needed it back before they got a pattern made. Contact John Wright at Addco 1-800-338-7015(direct line).

Wow Tim, you got a LOT further than I did. I could not get past the
receptionist. Of course I did not know of John Wright at that time
either. I might call him in a couple of days just to emphasize that
there would be a demand for the product.
Thanks for sharing that info Tim

Linoman wrote:Just got off the phone with John at Addco; they are presently testing their prototype of the straight version, should be finished in the next couple of weeks.
It will be around $125 with mounting hardware. Unfortunately they are not doing the later one with the bends, but would be willing to if someone out there is willing to send them one to use for a pattern. It sounds like they had one but the owner needed it back before they got a pattern made. Contact John Wright at Addco 1-800-338-7015(direct line).

Those were my patterns and I didn't need them back, they just shipped them back to me. They had them for a few months.
Fred

Well Fred it's too bad they sent them back to you without making a pattern of both styles. Hopefully it won't end up being an opportunity missed for them and Econoline owners alike. I know I would purchase one if they made one. ~ Tim

Actually, it's hard for me to believe anti sway bars do much for staight axle vehicles like ours. Has anybody done a real comparison with and without? I'm sure they do reduce sway somewhat but do the do anything for keeping the rubber on the road? Just curious as I don't want to carry around another 50lbs if I don't have to. Thanks and Happy Motoring.

I have driven vans with and without front bars. If you ever drive in a crosswind you would appreciate the benefits of a sway bar. White knuckles without, everything's ok with!

I drove for years without one, then in '88 I found and installed one and could not believe the difference! I would not ever do without one now! BIG difference, believe me!

What about on the pickups? I have never driven one with sway bars on it but it there is a noticiable benefit I would certainly find some

The sway bar is very noticeable going fast around curves. Without it you feel like you are going to roll over. With the sway bar, the van sinks down and hugs the road. If you have a load in the van, it's more noticeable.