The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Sway Bar

I have put new bushings and bolts in the rear spring hangers to try to tighten up the suspension on the 49 Sub. Won't be able to tell if it did any good until spring. Winter has arrived with a vengeance. I want to try to install a rear sway bar but have no idea where to start. Is there a universal type being sold that might work? Also where and how do they attach? I have heard the term "Panhard Bar" and wonder what this is. All help appreciated.


Weeds

weeds,cpp offers a rear sway bar,not sure if it's what your after. sway bars


Tim

Weeds

Panhard bar is a bar attached from frame to rearend to prevent lateral (side to side)movement. It is usually used on four link or triangulated set up to keep rear end centered so it won't bend the "links" upon hard cornering or heavy foot syndrome if you have big engine.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhard_rod

Hey Weeds, What rear end are you running? On my pickup, I installed a 10 bolt camaro rear end and used the camaro rear sway bar as well.

I used a rear sway bar from Chassis Engineering. I like it better than the one CCP sells. It was the shape and the hardware that I liked better from the C.E. sway bar. Price is comparable between the two.

A front sway-bar will make a bigger difference than a rear one. So, if you do not have either, get a front sway-bar first and see how you like it: if it is not enough, then get a rear one. Using only a rear sway-bar is not recommended as it could create an imbalance in the vehicle that could cause problems in hard turns.

Bowtietim, 49bourbon, pplummer, wbrowne, and wave57. Thanks for all your replies.

I am running an 84 GMC 1/2T rear end. Same in front and I am using the sway bar that came with the 84.

I will check out CCP and Chassis Engineering to see what they offer. I am trying to visualize the installation as it applies to my 49 Sub.


Weeds

I have a 84 1ton chevy. It has front and rear bars. If you have 84 suspension the 1 ton stuff will probably bolt up. the front bar is 1 1/8 in and the rear is 3/4. The spring mounts I believe are about the same. Next time you see one in a parking lot look underneath.

Weeds I shot a couple pics over the weekend of sway bar. They are iphone pics so not greatest but you can get the idea. I had to fab some brackets from angle iron for them to attach to. Then I uses all thread a with some thick wall tubing over it to get the rod length correct. Rear end is from 69 Nova.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/579455404QkfEHL?start=0

49bourbon, thanks for the pics. Your setup looks like what I would like to do. What sway bar did you use? Is it from a junkyard or from one of the aftermarket suppliers?

Weeds

Weeds The burb has been a long process due to kids and life. I bought it several years ago and pretty sure it was CPP but probably all about the same. I bought it specific to the year of rear end(69 Nova). I had then modified brackets/roads to fit.

Hiya Weeds,

Ok, sway bars. Just about anything will work if the width is right and the bar you have gets around the diff bulge in the rear end. I wouldn't go heavier than one" in the rear; it needs to be a bit softer than the front end. Most folks attach the bar to the rear end with the "arms" pointing forward along the frame. Rear sway bars seem to work better if the arms are kept parallel to the ground. Use links from the FLAPS or make them yourself. I believe it is most common to mount the mounts for the links on the outside of the frame. That's it! The bar's only job is to help avoid body roll by loading or unloading one side or the other. Somebody much smarter than I am can come along with whatever math you may need.

very best wishes,

Les

49bourbon, I know only too well how long it takes to do one of these Burbs. Took me 8 years and thats with me even being retired.

Roadmarks, thanks for the reply and the information. I have a fairly complete machine shop and can fab what I need. If I can just find the right bar I think I can manage to get it installed.

Weeds

Hey Weeds,

I forgot to add to the above that most 70s - 80s mid sized GM sporty cars have a decent rear bar. Camaros, too! You need a width so the bar comes just outside the frame. To prevent a bind, keep the arms more or less level. I got a pair of short links from O'Reillys for $4.00 each and built the mounts to suit. I used the brackets that I took off the car with new bushings for another $12.00. I think you'll find it a walk in the park!

Weeds I thought I posted a reply earlier but seems did not make it to the thread. I believe I ordered from CPP (several years ago)but all are probably same manufacturer. Just make sure you order for the year and car style the rear end came out of and it should work.