Frame / Springs: Another sway bar question

[starliner62]

I was looking under a 66 Commander, six cylinder car the other day an noticed the front sway bar did not attach to the frame. I was under the impression that all later cars had sway bar mounts on the frame. Is this a six cylinder/V-8 thing? I supposed I could get off of my lazy butt and get in the parts catalog and investigate, but I figured someone woud know.

[StudeRich]

That is EXACTLY what it is! Studebaker knew they did not have enough front weight or Power in those Cars to need the kind of handling and anti-dive that V8's need.

The early Sixes had NO Stabilizer Bar, then later when one was added to the 6's they did not use the frame mounted V8 '58-'62 or '63-'66 Type, but the old '55 to '57 V8 "A" Arm only mounted one.

[starliner62]

Thanks again StudeRich. I pretty much figuerd that was the case. Now that a V-8 has been installed, I suppose I should add some frame mounts.

[Mike Van Veghten]

Install a big GM (1.125") bar. Makes a big difference.
You will have to build your own mounts though.

Mike

[sals54]

Here's a sway bar sheet I made many decades ago. I've had one of these under my 54 Coupe for over 20 years and it works soooooooo fantastic.

[Buzzard]

Re: post #5. I assume that would even apply to my '57 Clipper Wagon. I've always installed much larger sway bars and high performance shocks (Koni/Bilstein) on all my cars as they simply work together to make a much better handling car.
Bill

[sals54]

Re: post #5. I assume that would even apply to my '57 Clipper Wagon. I've always installed much larger sway bars and high performance shocks (Koni/Bilstein) on all my cars as they simply work together to make a much better handling car.
Bill

Right on Bill. Virtually all the post 51 front suspensions on Studes are essentially the same. Use a large sway bar and 70s Camaro front and rear shocks like the Koni/Bilstein/KYB like you mentioned, and you can do a lot to improve a Studebaker's handling. Lowering the car really helps too.

[Xcalibur]

Uh, and don't forget a complementary REAR bar, as well.

[Buzzard]

Roger all, will do and post results when done.
Bill