Anti-sway Bars on a 1955


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By Chemist64 - 15 Years Ago
I am lining up my winter want to's and I am thinking about anti-sway bars on my Monteray.  I have one on the front now, but want to upgrade.  I also want to add one to the rear. 

PST has them but says the rear is for cars that already have a rear bar.  How hard would the rear be to mount?  Would I need to make brackets?  Would these need to be welded on or could the be bolt on?

Does anyone know of a bolt on package?

Thanks 

By GREENBIRD56 - 15 Years Ago
This should be darned close to what you want....the Mustang spring pads are about the right spacing to match your Merc. don't know for sure about the axle tube diameter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-1966-FORD-MUSTANG-ADDCO-SWAY-BAR-KIT-REAR-3-4-DIA-/360319558923?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e4b8250b

You would end up working up your own "hanger" brackets for the end links - they drop off the inside edge of the frame.

How big of a front bar is on there now? This one shouldn't end up being stiffer than the front or you will end up with some intersting handling characteristics.

By Talkwrench - 15 Years Ago
That kit looks the same as the one I got for my Cuda. Those short U bolts go through the frame [eeek] You would have to make sure end to end of the swaybar lines up with the chassis and where it sits. Im sure thats what Steves saying it will be close. Also if the centre size of the diff is bigger you'll have problems.

I have not yet fitted the rear bar to my Cuda as the fit was not that good. At this point I  had to add a near 1/2" spacer where it bolts to the diff to stop it hitting the back of the diff [ and yes the swaybar is not upside down] also where the U bolt goes through the frame I had a 2" x5" plate made up. hopefully this helps.. I would have gone out today to finish it off but I HAVE to go to a wedding and my now wife.. [got married two weeks ago] will kill me if I get dirty .. Pfft!

Look forward to more on this as I would like to upgrade as well..

By PWH42 - 15 Years Ago
I recently replaced the sway bar on my sedan with one from a 56 wagon and am amazed at the difference in the handling and drivability improvement.It corners much better and no longer wallows around like a drunken sow on uneven back roads.The same change on your Merc would probably be as beneficial.
By GREENBIRD56 - 15 Years Ago
The "bump" in the Mustang sway bar is configured to fit both the 8 inch and the 9 inch axle I believe (put one on my '67 Cougar). And on the other hand, the spring pad centers are such that the Mustang rear ends bolt right into the mid -fifties Fords - so I think the hangers for the end links will be the biggest issue.
By crenwelge - 15 Years Ago
One of the first things I did almost 50 years ago when I bought my first 56 Ford was go to a wrecking yard and buy a sway bar out of a station wagon. Along with good shocks, it did wonders. I never felt the urge to install a sway bar in the rear.