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Stock 7/8" sway bar, upgrade to 1" or 1 1/8" ?

steveh326

steveh326

Active Member
have the stock 7/8" sway bar on my 66. In the process of installing all my new spiffy suspension parts, including the shelby drop. should I upgrade my sway bar at the same time? I am thinking 1" would be a better choice for the spirited street driving I plan, and that 1 1/8 might be too harsh for a car that won't see any track time, is that correct?
 
You have a 7/8" bar on there? My '67 (base optioned car) had a 5/16" sway bar that I could bend with my hands after I took it off.

I have a 15/16" bar now that I'm pretty happy with. It does well with spirited driving:)
 
If you already have a 7/8" bar, I question if just going 1/8" more will be worth it.
 
"Opentracker" said:
I agree, just put a poly frame and end link bushing kit on your 7/8" and you'll be fine.
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jeez John I was gonna order my new 1" sway bar kit from you... are you sure you don't want to rethink that !!! lol.... actually, I really appreciate the honest advice.
 
I have 1 1/8" with adjustable length rose joints, but I aim to lift the inside front tire from the track. If that is not your goal, you can spend money with better price/effect -ratio in other parts. These bars are just tuning devices to front / rear roll stiffness. Some say I would be better off with less front bar and more front spring.
 
"cmayna" said:
If you already have a 7/8" bar, I question if just going 1/8" more will be worth it.
Click to expand...
Don't let small-sounding bar diameter changes fool you. A 1" bar bent to the same size and shape as a 7/8" bar would be about 1.7 times as stiff.

A 1-1/8" bar would be almost 2.75 times as stiff as a 7/8" . . .


Norm
 
"Opentracker" said:
You got that right - That last batch lasted about two days !
Click to expand...

no homemade jelly, but getting ready to make apple butter in a couple weeks, will that do? Secret family recipe, we've been making for decades, got a 30 gallon kettle. I might be able to make a convert out of you...lol.
 
"Norm Peterson" said:
Don't let small-sounding bar diameter changes fool you. A 1" bar bent to the same size and shape as a 7/8" bar would be about 1.7 times as stiff.

A 1-1/8" bar would be almost 2.75 times as stiff as a 7/8" . . .


Norm
Click to expand...

I'll probably sandblast/clean up my existing one, add new bushings, and run it for a while. Maybe upgrade in a year or so once I get the car back on the road. Not ruling out changing it, but will move it down on the priority list ahead of getting the car back together and running.
 
When it's time for a new bar let me know and we'll give you the super duper forum member discount.



Mmmmm ~ Apple Butter sounds good !
 
I tell ya, since I started working on my mustang again (I've owned it since high school (1973) but I thought it was too far gone now for anything but a parts car, thankfully I was wrong), I've subscribed to about 6 different mustang forums for info. I find myself here more than any other, it just 'feels' right for me. I'll be in touch when the time comes.
 
Steve,
Why don't you indicate in your signature or profile where you reside. You might have some fellow Stangfixers near you to help you on your car.
 
Ok I did both (I think). I am in Mount Airy, MD but right now the car is in Berkeley Springs, W. VA. at a retired mechanics shop getting all the rust repairs done. Those repairs were beyond my abilities, I can weld, but not well enough to trust either my life or the structural integrity of the car to.
 
I would be more than happy to come out to help but your cost to buy me an isle seat in first class on H00ters airlines might prohibit such a visit at this time.......
 
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