Mounting a Factory Front Swaybar to a Car Without Factory Swaybars?

[getslideways]

I was wondering how to tell if my 70 challenger originally came with a swaybar or not from the factory (obviously there isnt one there now lol) But i was curious what i should be looking for in the suspension to see if it did originally come with one (holes, mounts, stamping, etc).  Then if it did not come with one from the factory, can I still use a factory bar?  And if so, what needs to be done to make that happen?

My car handles terrible without a front sway-bar, and i have the option to get a factory front bar and endlinks for next to nothing, so i am wondering if its possible to install it, and what it will take, or if it would be a hassle maybe it would be better to get an aftermarket bar right off the bat?  Thanks!

[Chryco Psycho]

the lower control arm has a bracket on it for the end link to go through vertically , no bracket on the LCA would mean it never had one , it is easy enough to make & weld a braket in place on the LCA

[autoxcuda]

Hotchkis makes some weld on LCA sway bar tabs that look very stock like but are thicker. Only $39.95.

http://www.hotchkis.net/late_mopar_control_arm_bracket.html

[Strawdawg]

and I believe the FirmFeel brackets are bolt on.....altho I am sure it would not hurt to weld them as well

[Road_Runner]

the lower control arm has a bracket on it for the end link to go through vertically , no bracket on the LCA would mean it never had one , it is easy enough to make & weld a braket in place on the LCA

I'm going to be doing the same to the Barracuda.  Is the bolt on version from Firm Feel as good or is it wise to get the tabs welded on?  And are the bolt holes where they need to be on the K frame for the two bushings that mount there?

Thanks, Jim

[Chryco Psycho]

I believe all the K frames were drilled
I prefer to weld the brackets in place

[dodj]

  And are the bolt holes where they need to be on the K frame for the two bushings that mount there?

They were there on my '73 K-member. I used a PST kit and drilled the LCA's and bolted the sway bar mounting tabs on. If I was to do it again I like the look of those weld on Hotchkis pieces. 

[wiging19]

My ebody convertible didn't come with any sway bars and I installed them on my car.  The improvement in handling is significant.  The biggest problem I had was getting a hold of a lower controll arm with the tabs.  Got a set from a parted out 74 challenger.  That was before all the new options became available in the past five years.   I'd say with all the options available today to put a sway bar on won't be that challenging for you and the payoff in enjoyment will be significant.

[getslideways]

My ebody convertible didn't come with any sway bars and I installed them on my car.  The improvement in handling is significant.  The biggest problem I had was getting a hold of a lower controll arm with the tabs.  Got a set from a parted out 74 challenger.  That was before all the new options became available in the past five years.   I'd say with all the options available today to put a sway bar on won't be that challenging for you and the payoff in enjoyment will be significant.

what sawybars did you end up going with if you dont mind my asking?

[wiging19]

I bought a front set with the front end rebuild I got from justsuspension.  I put in poly urethane fittings because I wanted the handling to stay tight as long as possible.  The rear end I traded parts for a rear sway part but it took me five years to find one.  Today I'd go to some outlet like Firm Fell and just buy the stock they have.  The original bar in the rear was a little light and I bought a larger one from firm feel.