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Sway bar (I think it's the sway bar) mounts cracked - how to fix???

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mikekwesell

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Hi Gang, the sway bar mounts on my 1973 K5 are cracked - badly. Seems like a potential safety issue so I need to get it fixed asap. Seems like it will require significant frame cutting/welding. Please see pics - any input on how to get this fixed is very much appreciated. Thank you!!!

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Stupid question - what is the purpose of the swaybar then? You're saying I dont necessarily need it?
 
Lots of folks don't run them. They technically keep the front end from swaying//leaning in turns but the suspensions on these are generally stiff enough that it's not a huge deal. Otherwise you'll need to get them welded back on.
 
Looks like it's lifted, and the mounts were left all hooked up.
If you want to fix it and keep the away bar you'll have to get away bar disconnects like 'Off road design' or a few other places sell. As you can tell, it puts tremendous stress at that spot if lifted and still hooked up. The disconnects add a flex point and lengthen it a little to prevent that.

Disconnect it at the axle, tie it up, and drive it around to see if you like it. With stuff springs you may not notice it's gone.
With soft springs you may notice it, but it may not be that bad. Really soft springs..... You'll notice and you'll want it back lol.
 
They look like this...

When I did my lift I built my own set with a couple pieces of tubing the big bolt fit through, and some left over for stock.

$100 at ORD to get everything is a good deal though.

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Lol. Beat me to it.

And if you can weld, just fix yours. Getting new ones would mean getting old ones from another frame I think
 
Def can weld... mine are so broken/torn/bent that I bet they're not fixable (or would require significant pounding). I'll see if I can order them from LMCtruck.com or cut them off a blazer at a junkyard. Thanks again for your help!!
 
One more afterthought/question: As you can see int he pics I uploaded, those mounting brackets are attached to the frame with super-heavy-duty rivets... When I get replacement brackets, can I just weld them to frame? If not, how do I get those super-heavy-duty rivets and put them on?
 
mikekwesell said:
One more afterthought/question: As you can see int he pics I uploaded, those mounting brackets are attached to the frame with super-heavy-duty rivets... When I get replacement brackets, can I just weld them to frame? If not, how do I get those super-heavy-duty rivets and put them on?
Click to expand...

hog out the rivets and use grade 8 bolts.
 
I think any similar vintage 4x4 square body sway bar's mounts would fit a K5 also,the frames are pretty much the same from the firewall forward..

I see LMC actually has rivets available when I looked up a leaf spring hanger--how the hell would a typical backyard mechanic ever install factory style rivets ?..unless he was an iron worker/skyscraper builder on his regular job !..
Grade 8 bolts and nuts work well,I'd use lock tite and no lock washers though...wouldn't hurt to tack weld the brackets on too,to add extra insurance.
 
DAM :yikes: never seen that before in all the trucks i have done .

lifted and no sway bar correction i would think tends to do it . and i love my sway bar disconnect kit from ORD rides smoother and still works the bar .
 
Removing factory rivets can be a tough job. Definitely search for threads on that topic, as the right tools and technique can make the difference between 5 minutes per rivet or 5 hours. So if you're grabbing brackets from some other vehicle you get to do that job twice :frown1:. Looks like one has nearly removed itself already, though.

When you're done, the exact positioning of those brackets really isn't too critical. Hard to tell from pics, but one side looks repairable, so it might be easiest to just fill the gap. On the other side you might be able to get away with some heating/bending/hammering to get it close enough or remove just one rivet and adjust the hole before re-attaching. If not, maybe you could still get away with replacing just one bracket?

Oh yeah, getting rid of the swaybar bind will make it ride a lot better, too.

EDIT: while you're under there - have you checked for frame cracking under the steering gear? Might be a good time to add a brace.
 
Not sure if you have one... But plasma cutter for the win.

I took 20 rivets out of my frame in a little over a half HR last week. Trick is either keep it low amp, or don't even hook the ground up. It'll shave the head right off, then a hammer and punch will push it out while it's still warm in a whack 2.

I've heard a long throw air chisel works great too, but haven't tried it lol.

IMG_20200507_151536554.jpg
 
It's not mandatory, but this would be a nice time to replace the sway bar bushings while you have it apart. It's one less squeak/rattle to annoy you, if NVH issues bother you...
 
I'll follow up with how I managed to get the rivets out... need to find replacement brackets first and have them in-hand before I go to work removing the old ones. I also plan on replacing the sway bar bushing's as well per campfire's recommendation. All the bushings on this baby are shot... Thanks guys!!
 
Another quick question: As I'm looking around salvage yards to find a vehicle that I can poach the sway bar mounts off of, can anybody tell me what range of vehicle years/makes are compatible with my 73 Blazer? I'm discovering that Blazers are non-existent among salvage yards... thanks again! Or if any vendor sells them new, that's an option too... I found these but not have yet to confirm if they'll work yet. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIsLO59InA6QIVUdbACh2XRw5_EAQYAyABEgKup_D_BwE
 
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