Front Suspension Spreader Bar purpose/Function ?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 941
Likes: 10
Front Suspension Spreader Bar purpose/Function ?
Reading posts, it appears that the front suspension Spreader Bar
aids in handling, especially in hard corners.
Is there a suggestion that under hard driving conditions the frame rails at the front control arms actually move and the spreader bar stops this ?
Thanks for any insight.
8Valve
aids in handling, especially in hard corners.
Is there a suggestion that under hard driving conditions the frame rails at the front control arms actually move and the spreader bar stops this ?
Thanks for any insight.
8Valve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Reading posts, it appears that the front suspension Spreader Bar
aids in handling, especially in hard corners.
Is there a suggestion that under hard driving conditions the frame rails at the front control arms actually move and the spreader bar stops this ?
Thanks for any insight.
8Valve
aids in handling, especially in hard corners.
Is there a suggestion that under hard driving conditions the frame rails at the front control arms actually move and the spreader bar stops this ?
Thanks for any insight.
8Valve
Spreader Bar does wonders!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; They don't push out or pull in. They stabilize the A-arms & spring towers so they can't flex. Yes you will notice the difference, it's like a whole new front suspension set up. Of course the rest of the suspension will have to be in drive able shape. Have a great one. Gene
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
This used to be in the Corvette Forum Tech base but is gone. Still appears on CAC C3 section.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...8/025/article/
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...8/025/article/
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. what all they said...
. give the c5 and 6's hell in the canyons.
...and that is a vital part of it..
.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Orange Ca
I installed my homemade one yesterday...took about an hour and $60...I like it..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...eader-bar.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...eader-bar.html
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 270
From: New York
I have a few questions
1) Does installing one change your alignment settings?
2) When getting an alignment do they have to loosen the spreader bar to get shims in and out? When they tighen the spreader bar down will the alignment change?
Thanks!
1) Does installing one change your alignment settings?
2) When getting an alignment do they have to loosen the spreader bar to get shims in and out? When they tighen the spreader bar down will the alignment change?
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Orange Ca
I have not checked my alignment settings since installing the bar. But I can tell you that the location of my bar does not interfere with making alignment changes. The bar is mounted away from the upper control arm bolts.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
2. yes, but same bolts they loosen anyway for alignment, no difference. no.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Orange Ca
If the bar is attached to the upper control arm bolt wouldn't you have to losen or remove the bar so as to let the upper control arm move away from the upper control arm mount? I think the bar is pushing against the control arm...no?
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
mine is attached by both upper A arm bolts. but those have to be loosened anyway to set alignment. this really is a non issue. your home made one may be different???
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa OK
This bar made the biggest difference in handling in all the additions to my suspension.
After long thought and reading many post; I decided to set mine at neutral, it was the best decision to make! I already had my alignment set a little agressive and it holds it in place for both directions of movement; this is a must for every single C3.
After long thought and reading many post; I decided to set mine at neutral, it was the best decision to make! I already had my alignment set a little agressive and it holds it in place for both directions of movement; this is a must for every single C3.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
With electric fans the VBP bar is bolt-on.
I set mine with the front on jack stands. I figure that is pretty much the "neutral" position for the shock towers. It also makes it easy to remove - put the front on stands and just remove the through-bolt.
I set mine with the front on jack stands. I figure that is pretty much the "neutral" position for the shock towers. It also makes it easy to remove - put the front on stands and just remove the through-bolt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
If installed on the ground, it's a good idea to apply a small amount of preload. And, it is a perfectly acceptable practice to set camber slightly negative than desired and adjust it to spec with the spreader bar.
Figuring someone out there might be wondering while on the related topic, the factory spec measurement between upper control arm shaft supports (aka, shock towers) is 26 3/8" at the shim contact surface. That said, if one's chassis has sagged significantly below this spec, I disclaim responsibility for any mishaps should anyone try to gain too much back with the bar alone.
Figuring someone out there might be wondering while on the related topic, the factory spec measurement between upper control arm shaft supports (aka, shock towers) is 26 3/8" at the shim contact surface. That said, if one's chassis has sagged significantly below this spec, I disclaim responsibility for any mishaps should anyone try to gain too much back with the bar alone.