What is the correct front sway bar diameter, 1969 442

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 7, 2019 | 06:22 PM
  #1  
huskerala's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 59
From: Fayetteville NC but originally from Nebraska
What is the correct front sway bar diameter, 1969 442

I have a '69 442 that has a 15/16 front sway bar installed. I've owned the car for only 4 years so I don't know if this is the correct sway bar that it came with factory stock. Fellow car guys tell me the 442 should have had a larger bar. The factory assembly manual that I have does not cover sway bars. OPG sells a 1 1/4 bar as a replacement. What are all of you running and can anyone tell me what the factory size was?

Thanks all!
V/R
Joel C
Old Jul 7, 2019 | 07:34 PM
  #2  
mrolds69's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,907
From: Toytown, MA
3!/32" is stock for a 1969 442. See post #4 from Patton to ID. Bear in mind you can put a larger bar, but you would (or should) upgrade your rear bar, too.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...way-bar-72100/
Old Jul 7, 2019 | 08:27 PM
  #3  
don71's Avatar
same but different
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,965
From: Central Missouri
HI Joel. Your front sway size seems correct to me too. Don't believe the other guys.

The 1-1/4 stuff is usually the F body trans am diameter which just happens to bolt on to an A body chassis. And I'll second the motion to install a larger rear bar when using the larger front sway bar.

BTW, I'm using the stock 1971 442 goodies in my lowly cutlass, pretty much like your 69.
Old Jul 10, 2019 | 06:02 PM
  #4  
huskerala's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 59
From: Fayetteville NC but originally from Nebraska
Thanks guys. I'll stay stock for now and replace all the bushings and links. I agree with adding a larger rear bar if I change the front too.
V/R
Joel C
Old Jul 11, 2019 | 10:29 AM
  #5  
joe_padavano's Avatar
Old(s) Fart
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,799
From: Northern VA
Originally Posted by don71
HI Joel. Your front sway size seems correct to me too. Don't believe the other guys.
Believe the factory Chassis Service Manual, specifically Figure 3-2. 31/32" front bar was used on all 1969 442s.
Old Mar 27, 2021 | 07:23 AM
  #6  
Hairy Olds's Avatar
Shoveling Snow
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,731
From: Yoder-Hey-Land
Non W-27 rear with a silver painted pumpkin.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NotDads442
Chassis/Body/Frame
0
Apr 25, 2018 07:29 AM
olds98gi
Ninety-Eight
2
Apr 22, 2017 01:06 PM
1965cutlassragtop
Suspension & Handling
7
Jan 24, 2013 04:17 PM
mdfedewa
Suspension & Handling
5
Nov 30, 2012 10:50 AM
1970_442
Chassis/Body/Frame
3
Mar 27, 2011 07:20 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:27 PM.