Installing a Front Sway bar on Your Ford F100

[@davidcombs8458]

So glad I found your channel. I just bought a ‘72 F100 and your videos have been really helpful! Just bought this sway bar!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad we can help.

[@jasonsmith2325]

Thank you so much for the info on the restoration. I have a 1971 F100 Sport Custom. Everything that you guys are doing I am planning to do on my truck. From the floor pans, cab mounts and sway bars all the way to the Vintage Air Ac Install. I've been working on the mechanical parts so far. Installed Fitech Fuel injection on the stock 302! What a huge difference. Next will be the brakes. lol Your advice and insight is priceless. Thanks fellas and keep up the GREAT work.

[@joncaskey7742]

Just getting my feet wet with my 1968 F100. Planning on taking it on the 2023 Power Tour and finding lots of useful info from your videos. Thanks

[@alaricsept]

Thanks for this video finally doing this to our 65 F100. Awesome video.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad to hear!

[@jasonbastelli9602]

I think I’ll watch this one twice before I watch it again, before picking up my drill. Measure 27 times drill once 👍👍

[@AutoRestoMod]

Right on!

[@davidh7694]

Thanks for the info. Bought a F.S.B. 3 years ago & delayed install thinking it was more difficult than you showed. Just bought a Rear S.B. & will install both as soon as the rear arrives. (1966 F100...)

[@marcushunt63]

Im fixing up a Ranger F100 78. So many things i wanna do. This needs to be one of them!

[@ronbelldvm]

Great info. Need to install a sway bar on my F150, so I found this very interesting.

[@khumphries5869]

Going to fix the beast up. Its a 1975 f350 super camper special. Will be watching your videos for sure Keep posting your great.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks!

[@nathanbennett9025]

Glad to see a sway bar install I actually want to upgrade my front sway bar and install a rear sway bar on my 01 Dodge Ram

[@drrunmedown8220]

Installed a rear sway bar 2 days ago. Waiting to installed the front. Missing a motor and front clip before I can mount it up. Enjoying the videos !

[@AutoRestoMod]

Good luck!

[@87Rado]

I was considering upgrading my entire suspension on my 87' Rado until I watched this. Now I think a sway bar will achieve what I'm looking for. Thanks!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad I could help!

[@TheThirdWheel618]

Yes .....great content thank you I have a swat bar I just bought seeing hands on install will make it easy for me although I have lowering beams 3" with a 2" lowered spring 390 up front the front with 390 wieght went down about 5 1/2 " drop in the front 😲👍 did a flip kit too ....with the Dana 60 in the rear of my 69 250 the thick helper is in contact with the springs since it's on top of the axle now thinking 🤔 gonna ride stiff .

[@AutoRestoMod]

Sounds sweet!

[@TheThirdWheel618]

I watched this video again thank you 👍 went out today and installed the aadco sway bar although I had a different part # #113 it is the correct one for my truck 69 F250 2WD , although if I mount the bar straight the L bracket for the end link on the driver's side is father away . I thought they would make the Bar a little longer on the driver's side to compensate for the beam being a little farther back ? did you have this issue ? I have my bar perfectly straight only way the driver's L bracket is going to touch is to mount it slightly crooked .

[@2010blue801]

I have dream beams lowering kit

[@trkinwithmikey]

My very first vehicle was an 83 F100 long wheel base straight 6 aod transmission while I was in the military had access to junk vehicles IE Air Force F350 four-wheel drive crew cab needless to say those sway bar front and back fit that vehicle very nicely. With very slight modifications mid eighties sway bars should fit Vehicles all the way back to 67. The end result was I was able to run down a friend of mine on a very curvy Road he had a Golf GTI.

[@brianhigginbotham4489]

I see I’m not the only one that can’t seem to get a paint marker to cooperate! Great show as always !!

[@AutoRestoMod]

You and me both! We have thrwn at least three at the wall in the last two years. We've typically gone to black/white grease pencils and Sharpies but wanted to give that one a try...

[@theovallas]

I've been waiting for this video for a long time! I could tell a difference, but I'm sure it feels better than it looks. Y'all made it look easy...hmm...Father's Day is coming up, isn't it?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Happy early fathers day Theo!

[@theovallas]

Autorestomod Manic Mechanic Gasoline Media Same to you Jeff!

[@jasonnash7504]

Really like your content. Many of things you are doing are upgrades I'm in process of doing to my 1972 F100.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks for the kind words

[@svincent72]

Great step by step. I'll be doing this next week with confidence after watching the video (several times, just to make sure). Thank you

[@AutoRestoMod]

We're glad that you found it helpful!

[@slick-px4pq]

Jeff, have you considered a steering damper? Not sure if you already have one. I was having some issues with the truck wandering. Made it a chore to drive it any distance. It's a new build so all parts are new and not loose or worn. I added a steering damper and now the wandering is gone and bump steer is gone too. Next will be the sway bar.

[@DavidM-nf6fl]

I'm using Bilstein gas shocks on the front of my F100 that replaced the Gabriel load carrier shocks previously installed. The gas shocks certainly stiffened the ride and improved handling. I then upgraded from manual to power steering and it was obvious that with better steering response, more needed to be done to improve handling. I then added the Addco front sway bar and it is an even bigger improvement. I have a 302W so it's not as heavy up front as and FE. Convinced I could do more, I added a Moog steering stabilizer. I'm sure it's doing something, but not convinced it was necessary. The front tires are Goodyear Eagle GT 235/70R15 and the rear are 275/60R15, smaller sidewall may help, I'm due for new tires so that's in the works. Presently I am running Gabriel load carrier shocks in the rear, thinking about going gas, but I don't want it too stiff. I'll see what it's like with the sway bar first, for

[@AutoRestoMod]

The rear will make a difference. As will the tires. Ride will get rougher with a shorter sidewall (go to 17 inch wheels ala the Lightning).

[@michaelmorris6575]

Great video as always! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great content!

[@MrMac6150]

Thanks for the show. I would be nervous drilling into the I-beam but you guys make it look easy. I installed a steering stabilizer, have you any comments on those. I have a F250 and it seems to help control my steering.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I really haven't honestly seen the need after putting fresh tie rods and box in coupled with the sway bar.

[@DaveMcLain]

Nice video. You guys do a great job. I have one of these kits ordered for my '79 F-350.

[@patrickblodgett6389]

Good show guys I love the humor. You had mentioned setting your truck up similar to the early for lighting. How about rear traction bars like those had? Is there any company out there that make them for these old trucks?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Honestly not sure. We may or may not go that far, but I will look into it.

[@the_fomoco_man5160]

Caltracs.

[@BigfootUnibrowMan]

Autofab

[@dbriggs1689]

Great content so far

[@ronclewell799]

Stability is everything

[@AutoRestoMod]

Yup!

[@Psalms19.1]

How common are the dual shocks on the front of a 72 F100 Ranger XLT? I’ve only seen that on a 93 model F150 once before and I heard it was some kind of towing package. Possibly a dealer option.

[@danielmcqueen1024]

Love the sway bar! I'd like to setup my 72' F-250 with a lowering the rear to level the truck and make it actually a better handling truck!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Single best chassis change we made to the truck.

[@nickolasescobar7445]

I just tried this project and I get drill through the I beams! What kind of bits did you guys use?

[@AutoRestoMod]

We like cobalt. But HSS will do in a pinch.

[@J_rios433]

You think this bar would fit 1972 Econoline?🤔🤔

[@sparky72]

Yeah I’m gonna need one of those. I’m not too fond of feeling like Captain Ahab every time I plow through a corner.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thar she blows!!!! We know the feeling well...

[@royrobertstiff5155]

PLEASE Give us more old truck F250 (65-96) upgrades!!! Is there hope for the many of us out here?

[@maxlaufer-clapp4114]

How much did the sway bar improve the ride

[@0lddragracer426]

Drilling a hole through the I-beam doesn't concern you? The bracket doesn't fit into the I-beam recess flush. Any thoughts on that?

[@AutoRestoMod]

The hole is less of an issue than he bracket. We're going to burn some miles and see what we get.

[@yeboscrebo4451]

Man I’d love to see you guys tackle the all-too-common vapor lock issue with an electric pump/fuel return line solution! I couldn’t even drive my truck in the summer until I fixed that issue. I wonder what you two can come up with!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Great suggestion!

[@ronnietyree8316]

Nice truck.

[@AutoRestoMod]

We think so too!

[@haydennelson6243]

You guys should put an overdrive in it because if your going for drivability your highway experience will be much enhanced. I certainly wish I had one for my F100, consistently spinning 3k going 70 gets old quick

[@AutoRestoMod]

Hear ya. Our problem is the expense of a OD trans on an FE. We have looked at the Gear Vendors stuff with a lot of interest...

[@j.r.thompson5950]

Hi, Will that kit work on a 1981 F150?

[@kyleboeckman8153]

Hello I have a 67 f100 stepside with a straight 6 I was wondering is there a measurement to how far forward you put the mounting brackets on the sway bar to the frame?

[@summerfox9292]

I see in the comments some concern about the i beam drilling, also how long did it take you in real life to drill that hole?, some of us diy'ers that can be discouraging if we don't have the proper tools. Thanks, great video

[@AutoRestoMod]

My thought is this on items like that, if the manufacturer of the part is not concerned about it I'm not going to be either lol. It doesn't take long with the nice sharp drill bit.

[@summerfox9292]

@@AutoRestoMod thank you so much for your reply, i am looking to do it in my '77 f100 long bed

[@biglakehotrods381]

Time for the optima ultimate street car challenge!

[@AutoRestoMod]

😂😆😀😂😆😀😂😆

[@nmallory42]

I have a 67 f-100 and I've noticed a few times driving if I hit a big enough bump or pothole it feels like my truck is getting thrown off the road. Is this something that would help with that or is that another issue?

[@theovallas]

My '72 F100 did that when I first got it. I haven't installed a sway bar yet, but I can tell you what I did that helped tremendously. 1) Change out the rag joint (aka steering coupler), 2) tighten the steering gear box, 3) change out all the bushings in the front suspension. Now, when I hit a bump, it doesn't shoot off in some unknown direction. Feels much safer!

[@nmallory42]

@@theovallas Thank you i appreciate that! I just spent a few months doing bodywork, got it painted and the very first day driving I thought I was going over the curb lol

[@AutoRestoMod]

I would agree with Theo, but tightening the box can be tricky. You are experiencing bump steer and some vehicles will always exhibit it. With our newer box and new tie rods and tight kingpins we find that the bump-steer is greatly reduced.

[@theovallas]

@@AutoRestoMod For sure! You can't tighten it too much or it'll break the worm gear. Getting a new gear box is ideal, and I plan to do that (using NPD parts and re-watching Jeff's video!) in the future. I also forgot to mention, we changed out the kingpins. I'm sure that was a huge part of reducing the bump steer.

[@mackking7006]

Great videos on the f100. Installing a front sway bar on mine this week. Where did u get the steering wheel

[@AutoRestoMod]

The wheel is a reproduction of the 1969 Rim Blow from Auto Krafters. An easier choice would be a 1965 or 1966 Deluxe wheel for Ford as it will sit better on the column which is a 1965 Falcon column basically.

[@justinkrause5129]

What makes you want to use gas shocks on the rear and not the front as well?

[@AutoRestoMod]

We did use gas up front. I'm more about non gas on passenger cars.

[@slick-px4pq]

Great video as usual. I'm sure I'll need to do this to my 65 f250. I'm still in the process of building it. What are your thoughts on adjusting the camber by trimming th he coils?

[@AutoRestoMod]

It can work but it will be a a pain. You'll need to cut (correctly) drive it, then need to possibly cut more.

[@slick-px4pq]

@@AutoRestoMod Thank you. I may leave it, it's not terrible and I still need to install the hood and doors so it should get a little better. The springs are new so they may settle some also.

[@bonniecraven4129]

would you also put on a steering stabilizer?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Only really neded on the 4x4.

[@richardstephens5347]

When you installed this sway bar, did you already change your front end by doing drop beams or change shocks or springs? Just curious because I have a 77 f150 and looking to get a better suspension. My truck seems to roll in the front and bounce like a ball in the rear. Lol.

[@AutoRestoMod]

We had new shocks on already. The springs seem to be in good shape.

[@jimmah79]

I just bought a 67 f100 2wd 390 built up a bit I just purchased new pivot bushings radius arm bushings and heavy duty gas shocks! About to install this weekend! I’m kinda all over the road now, but hope to feel a little better about driving it. Does the sway bar do well?

[@AutoRestoMod]

After getting the base components right on the truck (Kingpins etc.) the sway bars are hands down the best thing we've done.

[@bigboyzguns8164]

Is a smidge close to a smeckle?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Slightly smaller. I love Yiddish, don't you, ya mensch?

[@gordovictor12]

Would this kit for an 1981 ford f100? The suspension is very similar to the 1979 f100

[@AutoRestoMod]

Here ya go! www.npdlink.com/search/products?search_terms=sway%2Bbar&top_parent=60000&year=1980

[@jessiecole659]

Can I use this with DJM dream beams

[@AutoRestoMod]

Honestly that will be a question for DJM. I would assume that they make some sort of provision for swaybar but I might be wrong.

[@jessiecole659]

@@AutoRestoMod ok thanks I'll get ahold of them . I really enjoy your KZbin channel and all the good information

[@mikehickman3330]

They don't make this kit for a 95 f150. Hellwig discontinued their kit - so frustrating

[@AutoRestoMod]

Look to stuff for the Lightning.

[@trinidadsandoval7386]

That’s a beefy sway bar

[@AutoRestoMod]

Just a 1-inch.

[@OldeCarrGuy]

Let me get this straight... You CAN improve the handling on a twin I-beam? Sorry! I couldn't resist!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Yes. We should have you come down with Dale and do a driving shoot out! That is if you can keep from breaking engine parts 🤔😂😆. Folks, go check out Olde Carr guys build on his C10 Square: kzbin.info/door/xGt15FvcrJXH823mI7UgnA

[@OldeCarrGuy]

@@AutoRestoMod I guess I deserved that! But I will be down that way for sure one day soon!

[@67Stang]

Don't you wish everything went in that easy??? I don't ever seem to get that lucky.

[@AutoRestoMod]

LOL yes. that bar is pretty nice for easy of install. The rear one might get a little bit more fiddly...

[@douglorimer5985]

Or maybe a crown vic front end

[@danieltrue1689]

That has already been covered.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Yeah...not on this one.

[@brianwaskow5910]

+Paxton Supercharger!

[@AutoRestoMod]

That will be on our 347 in the Falcon if I have my way.

[@Thirdgen83]

That's a terrible design. The frame rails should have been reinforced in the areas where the brackets mount. Those U-bolts have a tendency to rip right through the metal. I installed an Addco rear swaybar on my Maverick, but didn't use ANY of their supplied brackets. I had the frame mount area reinforced with 1/8" steel plates with threaded inserts for bolts (no stupid U-bolts). Made my own brackets, and made my own end-links with rod-end bearings...

[@AutoRestoMod]

We'll seeeee!

[@mikerosetta9140]

i like your content but to many ads as far as paying ten bucks to talk to you lol way too much free info in the world to pay anybody for a chat

[@thalscieonsound]

Wow.. thats the wrong place to place a sway bar on thoes trucks, had an f250 with one stock. You would never drill through your eyebeams .. .soo dangerous. look at the diagrams from ford first

[@AutoRestoMod]

Heaps...and I mean HEAPS of those out there.