What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

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What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Rembrant
Just curious, but when did these trucks have sway bars?

Did 2wd trucks ever have them or was it the heavier/4x4 trucks only?

Were they optional upgrades or did they come as standard after a certain year (Post Bullnose).

I happened to come across an 8.8 rear diff (1990) in the classifieds this morning, and it said "with sway bar", and I guess I'm just curious what the scoop is (or was, in this case).
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
They were optional on all the trucks in the Bullnose era, although they may have become standard later.  I've updated my page (Suspension & Steering/Sway Bar) to show the part numbers, and the applications start in 1980.

I've had trucks with and trucks w/o them.  Rusty and the 1982 Explorer I had didn't have them, but Dad's truck does.  And Dad's drove much better than they did, which I attributed to the sway bars.

Big Blue has them but they make the suspension way too harsh, so they are disconnected on one end.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

85lebaront2
Administrator
The ones on Darth came off the parts truck "Big Ugly" with the exception of the front brackets for the sway bar to axle links, those are actually the correct pieces for the 1986 F350 2WD.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Rembrant
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Very interesting...thanks guys.

I have completely rebuilt my front end with all new Moog stuff, and I have four next shocks installed, and the truck still feels sort of "springy"? on the road. Maybe I'll add swaybars on to my to do list;).

They'll come after the RedHead steering gear of course.
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
I think you'll like the sway bars.  Dad's truck felt really "planted" in spite of the steering being worn a bit more than Rusty's.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

1986F150Six
Administrator
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Gary Lewis wrote
Big Blue has them but they make the suspension way too harsh, so they are disconnected on one end.
Hmmm... Gary, I wonder how much of this "harsh ride" is due to the recently discussed extra leaves [leafs?] in Big Blue's rear springs?
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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Dunno.  But I do know that disconnecting the sway bars made a big difference in the ride.  Both Janey and I were amazed at the change.  Ken recommended it as it really helped the ride on his F250 as well.

However, it would be easy to hook them back up once I soften the springs to see if they still make a big difference.  I just removed one end link on each sway bar, so it is easy to put back.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Ford F834
Administrator
In reply to this post by Rembrant
If I am remembering right, in 80/81 the Freewheeling package B included what Ford called a “handling package” which included the dual front shocks and sway bars front and back. This handling package was no doubt an optional upgrade on other trucks as well. Chris McGaugh says the sway bars made a really big difference on his Bronco because of the short wheelbase.
SHORT BED 4-DOOR DIESEL: 1986 F350 4x4 under construction-- 7.3 IDIT ZF5+GVOD

STRAIGHT SIX 4X4: 1981 F150 2wd to 4x4-- 300 I6 close ratio diesel T19, hydroboost brakes, Saginaw steering

BIG F: 1995 F-Superduty under construction— converting to 6.9L IDI diesel ZF5+DNE2
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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Good memory!  It was Free Wheeling "B".



Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Rembrant
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Gary Lewis wrote
They were optional on all the trucks in the Bullnose era, although they may have become standard later.  I've updated my page (Suspension & Steering/Sway Bar) to show the part numbers, and the applications start in 1980.
Gary,

I'm digging back through this swaybar stuff again, and I'm curious about the axle brackets on the 2wd trucks. Item # 5486 in the image below upper RH corner (The bracket that sits under the coil spring lower mount, on top of the radius arm). Do you know if this bracket was the same from 1980-up? Was the same one used on 2wd and 4x4 trucks? And, was there a specific spring mount that went with this swaybar bracket?



I want to go parts hunting, and I'm curious what trucks I can scavenge parts from. The swaybar end links and bushings appear to be readily available aftermarket, and bolts are no issue, so those items are no problem.

I was reading that the swaybars were the same between 2wd and 4x4, but the end links and mounts were different.

In any case, my main curiosity right now is the bracket on the axle end where the end link connects as that will likely be the hardest part for me to find...and if it isn't the hardest to find, it will be the hardest to remove...lol.
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
I've added the part number info on 5486, the end bracket, to the website on the Front Part Numbers tab here: Suspension & Steering/Sway Bars.  But I'll let you work out the answers to your questions - and let us know, please.

As for the spring mount, I haven't done that yet as I've run out of time.  But do you have an illustration or part number?  I can find it, but if you already know.....

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

85lebaront2
Administrator
Gary, the stamped bracket is what fits Darth, the 1990 Parts truck had what looked like cast ones that if I remember correctly included the spring seat.


In your parts list, 1987 up, it is 5A307 which I suspect is the spring seat and is integral with it.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Right you are, Bill.  It is 5A307, and I've added those part numbers to the Part Numbers/Some Part Numbers tabs at Suspension & Steering/Front Suspension.

I'll let y'all look through to see what you can surmise.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Rembrant
Gary Lewis wrote
I'll let y'all look through to see what you can surmise.
So I went to see a guy this morning that has nothing but pre-97 F truck parts. He's only about an hour away, but I had never been there before as he mostly has 87-96 stuff, and he never really had any of the previous items I was on the hunt for. However, he does still have some Bullnose trucks kickin' around, and he said he had the swaybar parts that I wanted.

I got a front crossmember with the mounts still intact, and a swaybar with the ends cut off. It has 86 written on it, so it may very well have come off a Bullnose. I didn't need the crossmember, but it came as a package deal. A little surface rust, but otherwise good condition.




A complete front swaybar I believe out of an '87-'91 F150. You can see that the coil spring isolators are the white plastic ones, and not the flat rubber disks like on my '84. With a little sand blasting and fresh paint they should clean up OK.



And finally, a complete rear swaybar that is supposed to be for an F150 with an 8.8 rear end. Again, a little surface rust, but in good condition otherwise. Sand blast and paint and it will look like new.



I'm hoping this stuff all fits OK. It was cheap enough, and I'll get new end links and rubber bushings, etc.

If this stuff doesn't tighten the old girl up, nothing will.
1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Well done!  I think you are going to be impressed with the change the sway bars give it.  If I remember correctly, Ray Cecil and I did that to his truck and he was certainly impressed.

I'll be helpful to know that the '87-91 sway bar fits.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Rembrant
Gary Lewis wrote
Well done!  I think you are going to be impressed with the change the sway bars give it.  
I sure hope so. The truck actually drives really nicely, but there is mostly definitely some unwanted body roll in the turns, and it's a bit "rubbery" in the corners (the truck's corners, not the road's corners). It just rocks and rolls a little more than I'd like, and I think these will stiffen it up nicely. I'm not trying to make a race car out of it by any means, but it's just a little too loose feeling for my liking without the swaybars.

Between the swaybars and a new RedHead steering box (when I get to it), this thing will really drive nice.

It's fun now, but there are improvements to be had.


1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

FuzzFace2
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Gary Lewis wrote
Well done!  
I'll be helpful to know that the '87-91 sway bar fits.
I have not looked over the information Gary posted but be nice to know just how far back it goes - hint like if it fits an 81 front & rear with 9"
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

gtanns
In reply to this post by Rembrant
I'm looking for a front sway bar for my 1980 f150 4x4 ... have you installed the front sway bar ? Did it fit??
1980 F150 Ranger shortbox 4x4 (351M <-- Rebuild happening now)
Eaton true trac limited slip 3.50; wilwood disc brakes
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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Ray Cecil
My previous 2wd Bullnose came with a rear sway bar, but not a front one. I added the front one at some point. I remember feeling more "planted" after that.

My current 4x4 doesn't have any sway bars. Thanks for the reminder, I need to get some.

1988 F250 Supercab Longbed 7.3 IDI, C6, 1356, GEARVENDORS, 4.10 Sterling with autolocker

1986 F150 302, C6, 9" 2.75, Wood Flatbed


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Re: What was the deal with Bullnose sway bars?

Ray Cecil
wait a minute.....I have a bronco parts truck....maybe I have a set.
1988 F250 Supercab Longbed 7.3 IDI, C6, 1356, GEARVENDORS, 4.10 Sterling with autolocker

1986 F150 302, C6, 9" 2.75, Wood Flatbed


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