I want to install a rear sway bar on my stock 71 Chevelle suspension. I know the sway connects to the lower control arms but they are not boxed. Do the aftermarket arms modify the existing arms or are new arms required? I am not racing but feel the need to tighten the rear a bit. I already have installed Global West rear springs.

Just box and drill your lower control arms for a sway bar. The inserts can be bought for around $35.
Suggest replacing the control arm bushings too while they're out.

Step by step from Glenn's site...

http://www.leverfamilysite.com/Boxing_Lower_Control_Arms.htm

Intererting site and info, thanks Bill.

Hello
Do your lower control arms have the mounting holes for a sway bar? If not you will not be able to use one unless you get aftermarket lowers with the holes in them already. UMI Performance does offer lower control arms with the reinforced holes and we also offer a sway bar that either works with stock lowers or our own lower control arms. Below is a link to show you what we have to offer!

http://umiperformance.com/products.php?category_id=16
http://umiperformance.com/products.php?category_id=165

If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I will be more than glad to help!
Thanks
Brad :D

I did that to my 69 Chevelle. What i did is use a pieces of galvanize water pipe for a spacer and insert it in a U shape lower control arm and drilled a hole in the control arm, then run a bolt throw the spacer. I used a stock GM rear sway bar. It worked real good. :thumbsup:

That would be a 3/8" galvanized pipe coupling as a spacer in stock un-boxed arms in my case :thumbsup:

I think I may have filed off a bit of galvanizing on the ends to customize the fit a bit.

I did that to my 69 Chevelle. What i did is use a pieces of galvanize water pipe for a spacer and insert it in a U shape lower control arm and drilled a hole in the control arm, then run a bolt throw the spacer. I used a stock GM rear sway bar. It worked real good. :thumbsup:

That would be a 3/8" galvanized pipe coupling as a spacer in stock un-boxed arms in my case :thumbsup:

Keep an eye on those non-boxed lower control arms. I've seen a few done that way where, after some aggressive driving, the sway bar will twist the U shaped channel.
I've also seen where the pipe spacers were pulled right thru the control arm.
For the $40 to buy the inserts and a little welding, boxing is the better way to go, IMO. :yes:

Yeah, I went with the inserts, my arms already had holes in them. Lined them up, welded them in, and look great!

-Daniel

Keep an eye on those non-boxed lower control arms. I've seen a few done that way where, after some aggressive driving, the sway bar will twist the U shaped channel.
I've also seen where the pipe spacers were pulled right thru the control arm.
For the $40 to buy the inserts and a little welding, boxing is the better way to go, IMO. :yes:
I hear ya' and it is probably technically better. But it is going to take some serious stuff to pull 3/8" pipe couplings through. Those particular spacers spread the load out quite nicely. And you really cannot beat the convienience factor of not even having to remove the arms.

I used this setup on my chevelle and it"s been in the car for over 30 years,
BTW I had the chevelle brand new.