Rusty Bowtie

General Category => General Discussion - Intros => Topic started by: Rattiac on March 06, 2018, 09:11:09 AM

Title: Sway bar options
Post by: Rattiac on March 06, 2018, 09:11:09 AM
Now that I can pick up speed with the radials on, I need to start looking into a sway bar for the 32. What are my options , if any ???
Driving in the wind still sucks.
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: sammons on March 06, 2018, 11:18:13 AM
Rattiac, glad you can speed up now. Side wind will always suck on that sedan (like a big side sail ;D )  There are many options I sure, some use bar and some use a torsion set up. Then check to see if you have room to mount in front or behind axel.  I usually measure how wide I need from an outter mount point and hit the salvage yard/or buddys junk car pile ;) 

I usually build a stout bracket to mount off the lower shock hole (or lower A-arm on independent). If you haven't plated your front frame you can just bolt center bushing mounts to the bottom. If open I always weld nuts inside just incase I want to plate it later.

I don't know how wide or the reach you need on yours (or if there is a kit availible), but for a reference:   C2-C3 Vette front bar measures 37.5" center of end bolt hole to bolt hole.  Reach is (from bolt center of hole) to front of bar,  6 1/4".   If you are hunting used, stay away from the big HD performance or heavy cars. They would be a bit to stiff for your lighter 32. Good luck!
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: EDNY on March 06, 2018, 12:11:29 PM
Before you buy any..let me know I have many laying around (free).
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: 39delux on March 08, 2018, 12:39:23 AM
EDNY price is right but if they won't work here are two other options.  On my 33 Willys I went to the junkyard and got a rear sway bar from a T'bird.  It was way to long so I cut it down to fit, ground it to a vee and welded it up.  Didn't even sleeve it figuring if it worked I would build a good one.  It worked outstanding and is still on there 20 years later.  Next it a real good looking one that Weld It Series sells.  It has splines and lot of adjustment BUT it cost lots more. 
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: Rattiac on March 08, 2018, 08:27:34 PM
I'll have to check out the 2 I have. One is for the 8.8 rear axle and the other is from my XJ jeep .
Im thinking I may not be able to install it in front unless I can hide it under the front air dam.
Probably try to flip em just to see if it's possible.
Also have access to a TJ bar which looks like it has a shorter arm length.

I remember one of you awhile ago had a pic of a straight axle with a mustang or pinto sway bar attached . That gave me idea's.  8)
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: EDNY on March 08, 2018, 08:38:48 PM
I'd bring a knee pad, flashlight and camera with me and visit a local parking lot or wrecking yard and look at few setups.  Something will then click ;)
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: Rattiac on August 20, 2018, 12:31:56 AM
I did find this while searching around online. I'll have to track down the part # and call about measurements.
https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/driveline/swaybar/index.html
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: vette59jdwl on August 20, 2018, 01:31:10 PM
Rattiac  what is the difference between this and a pan hard bar only a panhard bar is less work and less expensive.keep it simple  vette59jdwl
Title: Re: Sway bar options
Post by: 39delux on August 20, 2018, 02:40:52 PM
A panhard bar is used only to keep the axle centered and does not transfer torque or weight.  A sway bar works best if the mounting points are as far out toward the wheels as possible.  I think Welder Series have a universal unit with video. 

Side note on wind.  While going down the highway in my '39 the wind is always in my face BUT if I turn it causes an immediate wind shift.  Go figure.
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