Upgrading Rocky with Sway Bars and Frame Braces

When we wrapped up Project Rocky, our 1979 Chevy C10 that we restored from salvage scrap to SEMA standard, the truck stood as a testament to sweat equity. Powered by a Summit Racing 5.3L LS crate engine pushing north of 400 horsepower through a new Monster Transmission 4L60E unit and perched on BDS Suspension lift components with Rough Country spindles, Rocky still drove like a 45-year-old classic. The aggressive stance on 33-inch Toyo Open Country tires and 22-inch American Force wheels, combined with the extra heft from modern upgrades like the Performance Online disc brakes, introduced a touch more body lean than we’d like around corners or long runs. It’s a common story with these squarebody icons: great straight-line grunt, but a reminder that 40-plus-year-old engineering needs a nudge to keep pace with today’s demands.

Enter the next chapter: tightening Rocky’s chassis integrity and dialing in sharper handling with a trio of targeted upgrades from Belltech and Ridetech. We’re installing Belltech’s front antisway bar (PN 5404) and rear antisway bar (PN 5508), both engineered in the USA from cold-formed steel with a durable powdercoat finish. The front bar measures 1-3/8 inches in diameter and tips the scales at 32.7 pounds. The rear clocks in at 1-1/8 inches and 29.8 pounds, packing high-quality hardware for a straightforward bolt-on fit onto our ‘79 C10. These aren’t gimmicks; they fix body roll, sharpen steering response, and restore that planted feel without sacrificing the truck’s compliant ride over potholes or gravel hauls.

To tie it all together, we’re adding Ridetech’s front frame braces (SKU 11369550), which bolt into place and stiffen the front clip against twisting forces. In a lifted setup like ours, where torque from the LS and weight from the beefy suspension add stress, these braces enhance durability and precision, ensuring Rocky tracks true. Total investment? Around $1,000, which is money well spent for a truck that could be as much a daily driver as it is a show-stopper.

This install, done in our Ocala shop over a weekend with basic tools and a few drill bits, builds on Rocky’s restored factory frame for longevity. It’s the kind of practical upgrade that turns good into great, reminding us why we wrench. Follow along as we walk through the steps, and consider running these products on your own squarebody. Your cornering ability and driving confidence will thank you.

SOURCES

Belltech
(800) 445-3767
www.belltech.com

Ridetech
(812) 482-2932
www.ridetech.com