Looking for thicker OEM Sway-bars

[V-Code Tahoe]

I have upgraded swaybars on pretty much every vehicle I have owned, but am perplexed by the huge markup on the bars these days, their price increases over the years seem to have substantially outpaced inflation (though I have no doubt that Hellwig, Eibach, Belltech, Nolathane, etc bars would be great). I am hoping to find thicker OEM bars that I can purchase used instead. Currently, my front is 1-3/16" (30.2mm) and my rear is 1-1/8" (28.6mm).

From my online research, it looks like the biggest that came stock on any of our trucks is 1-5/16" (33.3mm) front and 1-3/16" (30.2mm) rear. Is this correct? And if so, does anyone have part numbers or models/years/RPO codes that might help me locate some of these thicker bars (or one that you want to sell)? Unfortunately the “wander around your local junkyard with a caliper” option is probably not feasible for me.

Thanks!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I can't help you on acquiring the specific sway bar that you are looking for, but I can tell you that if you decide to spend the money on a great set of sway bars that really enhance the stability/handling capabilities of these trucks, Hellwigs are the way to go.

@915_Tahoe works with GM parts, so there is a chance that he may be able to assist you.

 

[Marky Dissod]

I've upgraded swaybars on pretty much every vehicle I've owned ... I'm hoping to find thicker OEM bars that I can purchase used instead.
Currently, my front is 1-3/16" (30.2mm) and my rear is 1-1/8" (28.6mm).

From my online research, it looks like the biggest that came stock on any of our trucks is 1-5/16" (33.3mm) front and 1-3/16" (30.2mm) rear. Is this correct?
If so, does anyone have part numbers or models / years / RPO codes that might help me locate some of these thicker bars (or one that you want to sell)?
Unfortunately the “wander around your local junkyard with a caliper” option is probably not feasible for me.

My understanding, regarding GMT800-vintage, is that parts from 05-06 Z56-PPV Tahoes or Z60 Sielvierrados - possibly including their front torsion bars? -
would make for better handling upgrades to our comfywhumpfie suvs with almost no modifications.
Also been told by reliable sources that we can use Hummer H2 rear swaybar hardware, provided we are willing to do some welding.

 

[5StarCustmSolutns]

I have upgraded swaybars on pretty much every vehicle I have owned, but am perplexed by the huge markup on the bars these days, their price increases over the years seem to have substantially outpaced inflation (though I have no doubt that Hellwig, Eibach, Belltech, Nolathane, etc bars would be great). I am hoping to find thicker OEM bars that I can purchase used instead. Currently, my front is 1-3/16" (30.2mm) and my rear is 1-1/8" (28.6mm).

From my online research, it looks like the biggest that came stock on any of our trucks is 1-5/16" (33.3mm) front and 1-3/16" (30.2mm) rear. Is this correct? And if so, does anyone have part numbers or models/years/RPO codes that might help me locate some of these thicker bars (or one that you want to sell)? Unfortunately the “wander around your local junkyard with a caliper” option is probably not feasible for me.

Thanks!

potential option:

Couple years ago I was in search of the same thing for GMT-900 and when I did my rear axle swap, I discovered the sway bars were hollow.. (had no clue)

Couple days of marinating on that later and it occurred to me: What would happen if I filled that hollow core with an epoxy or caulk or expanding foam, that when cured, had just a little pliability so it wouldn't crack and break if flexed.

Typed it in search and found a write up on a Nissan Armada forum about drilling a small hole in each end and filing the void with Great Stuff Large Holes and Cracks (red can). Dude did it and was ecstatic with the results on an Armanda.

Can't remember if he used JB Weld or a welder to fill in holes but either would work. Squirt it in there until it comes out the other side then put some duct tape over the hole or thread a small bolt in there, and keep cramming it in until it won't take anymore. Then cover the entry hole and let it do it's thing for 30min. Patch both holes and test it out. I don't see how it wouldn't work, and don't see what it could hurt as long as the holes get patched well to prevent rust??

please post if you try this!

 

[Marky Dissod]

Couple years ago I was in search of the same thing for GMT-900 and when I did my rear axle swap, I discovered the sway bars were hollow. (had no clue)

Couple days of marinating on that later and it occurred to me:
What would happen if I filled that hollow core with an epoxy or caulk or expanding foam, that when cured, had just a little pliability so it wouldn't crack and break if flexed?

Typed it in search, found a write up on a Nissan Armada forum about drilling a small hole in each end and filing the void with Great Stuff Large Holes and Cracks (red can).
Dude, did it and was ecstatic with the results on an Armada.

Can't remember if he used JB Weld or a welder to fill in holes but either would work.
Squirt it in there until it comes out the other side then put some duct tape over the hole or thread a small bolt in there, and keep cramming it in until it won't take anymore.
Then cover the entry hole and let it do its thing for 30min. Patch both holes and test it out.
I don't see how it wouldn't work, and don't see what it could hurt as long as the holes get patched well to prevent rust?

Holy schidt, gotta change my brane's light bulb. AWESOME.

 

[Doubeleive]

I have upgraded swaybars on pretty much every vehicle I have owned, but am perplexed by the huge markup on the bars these days, their price increases over the years seem to have substantially outpaced inflation (though I have no doubt that Hellwig, Eibach, Belltech, Nolathane, etc bars would be great). I am hoping to find thicker OEM bars that I can purchase used instead. Currently, my front is 1-3/16" (30.2mm) and my rear is 1-1/8" (28.6mm).

From my online research, it looks like the biggest that came stock on any of our trucks is 1-5/16" (33.3mm) front and 1-3/16" (30.2mm) rear. Is this correct? And if so, does anyone have part numbers or models/years/RPO codes that might help me locate some of these thicker bars (or one that you want to sell)? Unfortunately the “wander around your local junkyard with a caliper” option is probably not feasible for me.

Thanks!

front 36mm $143

Amazon.com

for 2500 so (maybe) front 36.2mm $94
fitment guide says it fits 00-06 1500 silverado which is the same as any other 1500 gmt800

More Information for DORMAN 927121

 

[V-Code Tahoe]

Thanks for the responses. I saw both of those. The picture of the Mevotech you linked to looks nothing like our swaybars. If you look at the interchange part number, it matches a Chevy Astro with RWD. If you look up other pictures of Astro swaybars, they match that picture. So there is a mistake somewhere, honestly don’t know where. Is there a chance an Astro swaybar fits our trucks? They are different sizes, so it seems unlikely. The Dorman unit fits 2wd 1500 pickup trucks, which is different from 4wd pickup trucks and all SUV’s. Don’t know about the 2500 trucks. In any case it is a different shape than ours- it doesn’t seem likely it would fit but I have never tried or seen one in person. I might have to bite the bullet and talk myself into coughing up the $$ for an aftermarket set....

 

[Doubeleive]

Thanks for the responses. I saw both of those. The picture of the Mevotech you linked to looks nothing like our swaybars. If you look at the interchange part number, it matches a Chevy Astro with RWD. If you look up other pictures of Astro swaybars, they match that picture. So there is a mistake somewhere, honestly don’t know where. Is there a chance an Astro swaybar fits our trucks? They are different sizes, so it seems unlikely. The Dorman unit fits 2wd 1500 pickup trucks, which is different from 4wd pickup trucks and all SUV’s. Don’t know about the 2500 trucks. In any case it is a different shape than ours- it doesn’t seem likely it would fit but I have never tried or seen one in person. I might have to bite the bullet and talk myself into coughing up the $$ for an aftermarket set....

can't always rely on photos of sway bars online, they tend to just throw a picture of whatever they feel like on and then usually a disclaimer somewhere stating the photo may not match the actual item, cheaper on rock auto anyway.
according to rockauto 1500 & 2500 sway bars crossover, rock auto tends to not always list all compatible vehicles, for whatever reason.....

 

[mountie]

Hellwig sway bars..... The added cost for the KIT is the quality of the hardware. The bars are solid and have a permanent coating.
And you have 3 choices for how rigid you want the bars ( save time... mount to the firmest choice).
I replaced both front & rear.... Can't be any happier..

 

[petethepug]

Hellwig, nuf said. Wouldn’t drilling a hole in a hollow sway bar be like drilling a small hole in an airplane wing and adding JB weld?

 

[noodlesandsam2]

+1 - I am not a fan of drilling holes in swaybars. Plan is to figure out a safe upgrade for a rear bar on the 2500 XL, and then determine how much larger in front if possible.

 

[Marky Dissod]

+1 - I am not a fan of drilling holes in swaybars.
Plan is to figure out a safe upgrade for a rear bar on the 2500 XL, and then determine how much larger in front if possible.

Neither am I
(but only because we're not sufficiently well versed in how swaybars structurally work well enough to know were to drill,
nor how to and/or with what to weld so as to not actually damage the swaybar).

This is why I want to know what other GM OE swaybars are available.
For example: why can't I use
PPV / SSV swaybars?
Z60 Silverado swaybars?
2500 swaybars?

Our definition of GM OE, as is, is depressingly narrow.

 

[Doubeleive]

Neither am I
(but only because we're not sufficiently well versed in how swaybars structurally work well enough to know were to drill,
nor how to and/or with what to weld so as to not actually damage the swaybar).

This is why I want to know what other GM OE swaybars are available.
For example: why can't I use
PPV / SSV swaybars?
Z60 Silverado swaybars?
2500 swaybars?

Our definition of GM OE, as is, is depressingly narrow.

this is why Hellwig is a thing, none of the gm sway bars are very thick at all and they are hollow.
went down this road around a couple decades ago
the other option is to weld extra cross members on or fabricate a bolt on solution, but the gm frames are designed to bend and return to form.

 

[Doubeleive]

some of the really old sway bars may be solid but there thin as heck too

 

[noodlesandsam2]

For the 2500 crew, Cognito Motorsports makes a front bar. I've poked at the site a bit.