Rear Sway Bar
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 6
From: Mebane, NC
Rear Sway Bar
I was comparing the rear suspension/body mounts to the builders manual to try and figure out why one side is higher than the other.
Is there a rubber bushing between the frame and the cross member that the differential bolts to? I could not tell from the diagram.
Also, did all '73s come with a rear sway bar? I can find no indication that mine had one.
350 4 spd.
Is there a rubber bushing between the frame and the cross member that the differential bolts to? I could not tell from the diagram.
Also, did all '73s come with a rear sway bar? I can find no indication that mine had one.
350 4 spd.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The rear sway bars were used on LT-1's, some BB cars, and perhaps on L-82 cars. It was not available on base engine SB cars, unless it could be ordered with an optional sport suspension package.
One side can be higher than the other for a number of reasons: body mount bushing collapse; body mount rustout; frame damage from an earlier wreck; improperly installed leaf/monoleaf spring; defective shock absorber on one side; worn out leaf spring; different adjustment on spring-to-T/A links.
One side can be higher than the other for a number of reasons: body mount bushing collapse; body mount rustout; frame damage from an earlier wreck; improperly installed leaf/monoleaf spring; defective shock absorber on one side; worn out leaf spring; different adjustment on spring-to-T/A links.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
'73 is one of few the years for which I don't have trim/ride height info, but if you have an AIM (or someone posts them), comparing variations between your Z, D, K & J heights and the factory specs might help you narrow down where problem is. That said, non-stock diameter tires can require adjustment of those latter two specs.
Don't worry about the lack of a rear bar unless you know (and understand why) your car needs one (or not).
Don't worry about the lack of a rear bar unless you know (and understand why) your car needs one (or not).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 6
From: Mebane, NC
Thanks
Time to drag the book out again to compare the all the heights.
Thanks for the sway bar info....that is what I was thinking, but was looking for confirmation.
The question that wasn't answered was....is there a rubber donut between the frame and the rear crossmember? I'm guessing there is, I am measuring about 1/2" difference in distance to the frame from side to side.
Non stock tires. Will definitely have to get longer bolts for the spring/TA links for the height. Need to get the back level first
Thanks for the sway bar info....that is what I was thinking, but was looking for confirmation.
The question that wasn't answered was....is there a rubber donut between the frame and the rear crossmember? I'm guessing there is, I am measuring about 1/2" difference in distance to the frame from side to side.
Non stock tires. Will definitely have to get longer bolts for the spring/TA links for the height. Need to get the back level first
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi CK,
The frame mount for the differential does have a large rubber bushing pressed into it. The differential cross member has a corresponding metal 'dome' that slides into the cavity in the bushing. It's designed to be a very snug fit and sometimes is ALMOST impossible to get apart. (Think 6' long pry bar!)
There is one bolt on each side that hold the crossmember in place.
Your right in thinking the differential cross ember should be the same distance from the frame cross member on each side.
It might not be the only cause of your ride height difference but could certainly be part of it.
Regards,
Alan
The frame mount for the differential does have a large rubber bushing pressed into it. The differential cross member has a corresponding metal 'dome' that slides into the cavity in the bushing. It's designed to be a very snug fit and sometimes is ALMOST impossible to get apart. (Think 6' long pry bar!)
There is one bolt on each side that hold the crossmember in place.
Your right in thinking the differential cross ember should be the same distance from the frame cross member on each side.
It might not be the only cause of your ride height difference but could certainly be part of it.
Regards,
Alan
