Dear Welder Series… front wishbone Q’s

Dear Welder Series…
I’m building a 1930 Model A on boxed ’30 frame. I want to use your flat crossmember in order to use a 1936 wishbone with the spring forward of the axle.

I want to know if I can place your flat crossmember in front of the stock cross member in order that I may keep the original design, i.e. radiator and fenders etc…??

Has anyone done this before??

I want the car as low as possible and the use of the intact ’36 wishbone. I intend on using cross rack steering and need the clearance as well.

Thanks,
Mike

Dear Mike…
Thanks for looking at Welder Series’ parts.

Our flat front crossmember is designed for a 1-3/4″ wide spring, like the 1928-34 Ford. The ’36 Ford used a 2″ wide front spring, so it will not fit in our crossmember. The ’36 spring is longer than the Model ‘A’ spring, so it can’t be adapted to the ’36 stock wishbone, either.

The ’36 axle will be a little wide to let you get the front end low. (The tires will be out at the edge of the fenders.) You might want to mock up your parts to see how it looks before buying any parts. The standard way to get a Model ‘A’ low is to use a 46″ dropped axle with a reversed eye spring with a low arch.

I hope this helps.

Paul Horton

Dear Welder Series…
Thanks Paul…….I already have the 31″ 1 3/4 reverse eye spring with a 6″ arc, now I need the 46″ axle.  I wanted to use the 1936 wishbone unsplit but I guess I will have to split it after all.

Thanks again,
Mike

Dear Mike…
Mike, you might be able to use the wishbone unsplit and just cut off the spring perch extensions. The spring would mount above the axle.

Paul

Dear Welder Series…
YES, that’s what I intend on doing I just have to find the widest perch possible on the “I” beam.  The wishbone is 39.5″ apart and the “I” beam I have is 36″ and I have a feeling that the 46″ axle will also have around 36″ between bosses.  Maybe I can bend the wishbone to match the bosses when I get the 46″ axle.
Worse scenario is splitting the wishbone…………..

Since I have you online, do you guys sell “X” crossmember for the model A frame?  I need something for my 4L60 transmission to bolt onto.  I’m running a 283 cu. in. motor as well and will also need the motor mounts to weld to the frame and attach to the motor, side mounts.

I have a 1930 model A frame that is completely stepped up and boxed.  I have a center cross member but I would like to reinforce the frame a little more and have the setup to bolt on the brake pedal, etc..

Thanks again,
Mike

Dear Mike…
Mike, most 46″ axle perch centers are about 34-1/2″. You should be able to bring the wishbone in to match the 46″ axle perches. Make sure the ball stays in the center.

We don’t have a Model ‘A’ x-member. Check Dagel’s https://dagels.com/super-x-crossmember-kit/. Welder Series does have Chev motor mounts.

Sway Bar Kit, Trim to Fit, 3/4" Bar

36" and 45" lengths, select options to build complete kit.
SKU WS22708
C$177.00
Bar Length
Outer Tube (match to bar length)
Arm Length
Outer Tube Mounts
Arm Mounts
Pillow Blocks
Weld couplers to arms?
In stock
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Sway Bar Kit, Trim to Fit, 3/4" Bar
Product Details
Brand: Welder Series
Country/Region of Manufacture: Canada
Diameter: 3/4" bar
Length: 36" or 45"

We've made some updates to our sway bars to simplify things for you. Our 36" and 45" bars now come pinned on both ends—no more splined ends. In your hardware package, you'll find two smooth ID, CNC-drilled couplers, and three 1/4” heavy-duty roll pins—two for the bar and one that, let’s be honest, might end up under your toolbox. You’ll also get a high-quality, made-in-the-USA 1/4" split point jobber drill. The roll pins are strong and secure, but if you ever need to remove them, just grab a punch and hammer. We’ve been using pins on one end of our sway bars for over a decade, and they’re a great cost-saving alternative to splined ends.

The bars come in 35", 36", and 45" widths, but you can easily cut them to any length with a hack saw if needed. Keep in mind, the 35” bar will have one end saw-cut and one end mill-cut.

The bars are made from 3/4” diameter, 4142 heat-treated, cold-finished steel. Both ends are drilled and pinned with the included heavy-duty 1/4” rolled spring pin, and you have the option to weld them into couplers that can then be welded to the arms. The laser-cut arms are 3/8” thick and come in 8", 12", or 17” lengths, center-to-center. If you’re thinking of mounting the arms inboard of the bar mounts, the 12" arms have a 3/4" hole for the bar to slide through.

To keep everything smooth, the sway bar is isolated inside the outer tube with urethane bushings, or you can opt for pillow blocks (bearings or bushings) to hold the bar under the frame. Rod ends (also made in the USA) connect the arms to the tabs that weld to your rear end or frame. And, just a heads-up: the overall length is 3/4" longer than the bar itself since the 3/8” arms mount outside the bar ends. If you need to, the arms can be bent to clear coil-overs or for front tire clearance.

We've got you covered!

How To Order:

We want to make sure your sway bar kit is just right for you! Start by selecting from the options listed, and use the "Add-On" menu to check off what you’d like for your build. The base price includes the couplers, rod ends, and hardware.

If you'd prefer a more personal touch, give us a call toll-free at 1-888-648-2150. We’d be happy to walk you through the options and help you choose what works best for your setup. Plus, every order is reviewed by us—so if something doesn’t look quite right, we’ll reach out to make sure it’s perfect before shipping.

To get started, first choose the length of sway bar you need, then the length of the arms. After that, just go through the list and decide how you'd like to mount the outer tube and arms. We're here to make it easy!

Hardware Package

This is the basic hardware package that comes with every kit. For the heavy tube option, larger bushings will be substituted. For the "splined both ends" kits, two splined couplers will be included. Rod ends are PTFE lined, made in the USA. Bushings now come with the tube option instead of the hardware package.

Sway Bar Mounting Options

Upper Coilover Mount:

Formed tabs weld to the outer tube and connect the bar to the rear crossmember using your 5/8" coil-over bolts (not included). Requires 1-3/8" dia outer tube.

Lower Axle Bracket Mount:

A 10 ga formed bracket bolts to the lower coil over holes in the four link axle bracket and mounts the tube tucked nicely under the axle bracket. Holes are 5/8" dia on 1" centers. Requires 1-3/8" dia outer tube. With this option, the arms would attach to the bottom of your frame rail ahead of or behind the axle.

Under Frame Mount:

These plates have two 3/8" mounting holes, with the opposite end designed to weld to the outer tube. With this option, the sway bar can be mounted underneath the frame rails ahead of or behind the axle. We have weld-in threaded bungs and hardware available to fasten the plate, if required. 1" from the top of the outer tube to the mounting hole centerline. Requires 1-3/8" or 1-5/8" dia outer tube.

Heavy Tube Crossmember:

Available 43" long for the 45" sway bar, this 1-5/8" x .188" wall tube can be used as a rear frame crossmember to mount your coilovers. It is designed to go through the frame rails, with the sway bar arms outside the rails. No frame mounting tabs are included. The hardware package is the same as our standard trim to fit kits, except it substitutes the larger #1205 bushings. Our #18600 is a good option for the coilover mounts - check it out in the related parts. If you order the 36" kit and select the option for the heavy tube crossmember, you will receive a 36" long sway bar with a 43" long outer tube that you can trim to fit.

Round Tube Mounting Tabs:


Three pairs of 3/16" thick tabs connect the sway bar outer tube to your 1-1/2" OD frame crossmember tube. Two pairs are mounted on the front of the tube and one pair is mounted on the rear in order to prevent the sway bar tube from rotating on the mounting bolt centerline if all three pairs were mounted in a row. Includes all necessary grade 5 zinc plated hardware. Requires 1-3/8" dia outer tube.

Pillow Block Bearing Mount

If you want to mount your sway bar underneath the frame using pillow blocks, here is the option for you. Select "no outer tube" and "no outer tube mounts". These bearing mounts have set screws at 12:00 and 3:00 to keep the bar from moving side to side. Just use a drill bit to create a small divot for a more secure connection. They will accept some misalignment as the bearing is mounted in a rounded cage and will pivot.
If your unboxed frame is already painted and you want a bolt-on kit, please see the related parts below for a bolt-on pillow block bracket.

Two pillow block bearings are supplied. For mounting hardware options, see below.

Pillow Block Mounting Hardware


Option A: 3/8-16 nylok nuts for mounting to an unboxed frame rail where you have access to the nuts. Includes two pillow block bearings.


Option B: 3/8-16 threaded bungs to weld into a boxed frame rail. Includes two pillow block bearings and lock washers.

Option C: 3/8-16 tab weld nuts to weld inside the frame rail before boxing. Includes two pillow block bearings and lock washers.


Arm Mounting Options:

Axle Bracket Tabs

Designed to mount the heim joints to 3" axle tubes. 10 ga. 3/8" hole.

Frame Mounting Tabs, 11/16"

These 3/16" thick tabs will mount the heim joints nice and close to your frame rail. 3/8" hole.

Long Frame Mount Tabs

If you need some more distance between the arm and the frame rail, these 3/16" tabs tabs might be the solution. 4" from the frame edge to the 3/8" hole center.

Control Arm Tabs

Typically used to mount the heim joints to a 1" dia tubular lower control arm. 3/16" thick, 3/8" hole. Also available for 1-1/4" and 1-5/8" tubing.


Quick release pins are also available so you can disconnect the sway bar arms easily. We suggest using them on the axle end because the heim joint is captured between the two axle tabs, and it can't slide along the pin.


Installation article on the 2011 NSRA giveaway car:https://www.welderseries.com/2011/04/13/sway-bar-install-on-nsra-33-giveaway/

Installation pictures (1964 Comet): www.welderseries.com/how-to-articles/sway-bar-install-total-performance-64-comet/

Installation pictures (1955 Ford): www.welderseries.com/how-to-articles/sway-bar-install-jh-restorations/

Click here for installation instructions.

Shipping charge is 10% of your order total, minimum $15 and maximum $75. Ships via UPS to the lower 48 States and 10 Provinces. No duty or brokerage charges. No surprises. Tracking information will be emailed.

Sway Bar Crossmember Video:

WS22740, WS22738A, WS22700

 

Our Model ‘A’ manual brake pedal is at:

 

I hope we can help with your project.

Paul Horton

 

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