1952-59 Ford 1-1/8” Front Sway Bar

Has anyone here purchased and/or installed one of the 1-1/8” sway bars in the last few years? If so can you point me in a different to get one for our ‘55 Merc. I looked through the “sticky faqs”, but either everyone listed is no longer in business, doesn’t have a web presence or haven’t updated their websites in forever. Any information would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks Doug

 

Here you go: https://www.larrystbird.com/product/front-sway-bar-kit-5456-1-18/ Also another option you should look at https://www.larrystbird.com/product/rear-sway-bar-kit-5556-1/ Consider adding the rear sway bar and replacing your existing front sway bar and end links with these for more stability. https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/universal-sway-bar-bushings.asp And https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/universal-sway-bar-end-links.asp

 

For the rest of you I added a link to the sway bar in the "Sticky FAQ" under Suspension Pg 1

 

Thank you for the information and the help Jeff.
I just purchased the Granda spindle and disc brake kit and picked up disc brake, limited slip ‘02 Explorer 8.8 yesterday. Getting everything rounded up for this winters project...

 

Awesome - I just did the same thing - Granada spindle on tubular control arms and a 97 explorer 8.8 shortened, refreshed with 3.73 LSD. It’s been a fun project so far.

 

I got mine from Southwestern Thunderbirds, for a '59 Ford. You may try them, not everything they sell is on their web site. Very easy people to deal with.

 

If you go to the 1 1/8" will you also need to add a rear sway bar? I need to upgrade mine but not sure if I want to go 1" or 1 1/8"

 

Probably depends on your type of driving, but my experience for normal street driving is the rear sway bar is not a requirement just because the front has one. I have the front 1 1/8 from tbirdssouthwest. With that said, my '57 suspension is totally different from yours, so I don't know if my experience applies to yours.
I also have the hd Ranchero/wagon 6 leaf springs in the back now which will effect the "sway" , or lack of in my case.

 

Awesome, where did you buy the granada kit from?

 

I used a 53 Ford Station Wagon sway bar on mine and it made a huge difference.

 

This is a link from the "Sticky FAQ" have any of you looked into this or used them ? http://quickorgarage.com/CartPages/ford1.htm#cl***ic

 

When I bought my front bar from Dave at Stop and Drop he advised that a rear bar was not needed.

 

My car is like night and day with just the front bar. I have new springs and shocks out back.

 

I used the sway bar from a 56 9 pas wagon on my 56 Bird. Made a big difference.

 

Any comments from anyone that used both ?

 

I actually spoke to Dave about this very topic the other day because I am looking at upgrading mine. He basically said it will be dependent on the type of driving you will be doing in your car. If you are going to drive your car hard or will be driving through mountainous roads on a regular basis then you will want the 1 1/8" front with a rear sway bar. The rear will tend to push without it.
If you have no plans for driving the car hard and will only be using it as a cruiser (like me) then a 1" bar will be sufficient and will provide a noticeable difference over the stock bar. For more money you can go to the 1 1/8" and skip the rear bar but the difference between 1" and 1 1/8" wont be as noticeable.

 

How much did you have to narrow the Explorer 8.8?

 

This is the kit I purchased...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/232598206326
.

 

2 - 7/8” removed from the drivers side. It’s perfect for our cars! Hopefully when CPP gets around to making my control arms, I’ll be able to weld in the rear axle and 4 link suspension and send you some pics.

 

Just finished installing Aerostar springs and the Granda spindle/disc kit. Still have to install the booster/master cylinder kit. Most likely finish that some time later this week...
Now to figure out tire/wheel combo... Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

Depends on the style/era you going for. What model is your car anyhow?

 

Good luck with the combo of Granada dropped spindles and Aerostar springs. Didn't work for me. Too low, was bottoming out on everything.
LOL, I deleted my post about the ebay suggestion, now if you could delete my post from where you quoted it, we'll be in good shape, or at least your supplier hopefully will be.
Rich

 

I have Versailles spindles and Aerostar coils on my '56. No bottoming out ever.

 

Strange how it works for some, but not others.

 

I suspect tire height, shocks, roads, and driving style all come into play.

 

What are you running now, in place of the Granda/Aerostar combo?

 

It’s a ‘55 Mercury Montclair 2 door hardtop. I want to switch to radials and a little more tire and the wife wants to keep her original hubcaps, so nothing custom...

 

I’ve got the 8.8 in the rear with F-150 11” drums like the original but wider. Since I don’t have an OD trans I went with the 2.74 rear gears which are perfect for my driving. I’ve also gone to the Aerostars but not spindles. I used 4piston Wilwood discs and no booster. The car has the right rake for me and stops great. I used 6” wide wheels which don’t hit any thing. And 205 and 215-75 radials which give a nice ride. I’m looking to add a 1-1/8” sway bar when Larry’s opens back up to local traffic. I’m close enough not to pay shipping.

 

Are you using the Wilwood m/c also?

 

Yes the normal oval one. They now offer a smaller one and I would rather have it. I also bought an adjustable Mustang pedal rod. I was able to make it the exact length to my pedal in the car to the plunger in the new master cylinder. Worked perfect. Bought everything from Summit on the advice from Wilwood as I could have driven to them and used will call. But Summit saved me a few $$. Not a cheap setup but great parts. The 56 Ford has 2 tees just below the MC on the frame. Made the installation ez using one fitting plug on the rear tee. The black 2 bolt plate above the new MC was made by me. The new MC has only 2 bolts wher the original has 4. Made it a cleaner look.