Spreader bar Install
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Yes, you can install the bar that way without any issues. Just make sure to put the proper shims back into place if any fall out.
The bar needs to be installed with the car on the ground; you adjust it so it is snug, but not tight. You should be able to move the bar with relative ease when finished. If you tighten the bar too much, you will be changing the static alignment numbers of the car.
The bar needs to be installed with the car on the ground; you adjust it so it is snug, but not tight. You should be able to move the bar with relative ease when finished. If you tighten the bar too much, you will be changing the static alignment numbers of the car.
So it is true that you would need a new front end alignment if you spread the distance. But I lifted my car front end and installed the bar just hand tight and drove right to the alignment shop. My camber change was very minor if any. I think the real bending forces are when you go into a max "G" turn and really loading the front tire on one side
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
I pondered this also. IMO You are trying to eliminate flex. I already have solid motor mounts and welded gussets. I had to repair my 79 lower frame because it cracked where the lower A-Arm bolts to the frame.
So it is true that you would need a new front end alignment if you spread the distance. But I lifted my car front end and installed the bar just hand tight and drove right to the alignment shop. My camber change was very minor if any. I think the real bending forces are when you go into a max "G" turn and really loading the front tire on one side
So it is true that you would need a new front end alignment if you spread the distance. But I lifted my car front end and installed the bar just hand tight and drove right to the alignment shop. My camber change was very minor if any. I think the real bending forces are when you go into a max "G" turn and really loading the front tire on one side
Interesting. Everyone else says for the car to be sitting on the ground as if your getting ready to drive it. Confusing. I replaced that bolt I needed to, so I am ready to install my bar, actually been trying to for the last week, too many honey doo's to do.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Easy. IMO - Lets say that weight on the front end bends the top of a-arms in. Why would you want to then install a spreader bar to hold it in the sagging position.
So with the front tires off the ground I installed the spreader bar and I ran the rod out hand tight and locked the jam nuts. I then drove straight to the tire shop and had new front tires installed and had them put it on the alignment rack.
So with the front tires off the ground I installed the spreader bar and I ran the rod out hand tight and locked the jam nuts. I then drove straight to the tire shop and had new front tires installed and had them put it on the alignment rack.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
I think I am going to install with the the car on the ground. Then measure between the bar mounting points. I will raise the car untill the wheels are just leaving the ground. Then take a measurement. Depending on the difference, I will most likely split it and install at that point. You have to keep in mind that you are possibly causing it to sag the other way. Not sure if I am using the correct terminology, but I will assume you understand what I am saying.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Post #33
I think I am going to install with the the car on the ground. Then measure between the bar mounting points. I will raise the car untill the wheels are just leaving the ground. Then take a measurement. Depending on the difference, I will most likely split it and install at that point. You have to keep in mind that you are possibly causing it to sag the other way. Not sure if I am using the correct terminology, but I will assume you understand what I am saying.
Please check post #33, then check a Factory Service Manual to find the distance between the top of the dampers that the FACTORY designed into the cars, and lock your spreader bar at that measurement. Then take it to the alignment shop.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Scrappy,
Please check post #33, then check a Factory Service Manual to find the distance between the top of the dampers that the FACTORY designed into the cars, and lock your spreader bar at that measurement. Then take it to the alignment shop.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Please check post #33, then check a Factory Service Manual to find the distance between the top of the dampers that the FACTORY designed into the cars, and lock your spreader bar at that measurement. Then take it to the alignment shop.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
Just installed the spreader bar from Speed Direct and I am confused with the instructions on how to set the pre-load. If I tighten the lock nut on one side there is noway that I can turn the bar to set pre-load. Can somebody tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i just did this job with the same bar and you rotate the bar to set the load.one thread is chinese and if you lock one side the bar will not turn.you were supposed to run the heim bolts approx evenly in on both sides before setting it in place.good luck and it is worth the effort.also have the car on the ground with the suspension settled before you adjust it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
I just installed mine. pretty easy to install, even on a big block swapped in bette with electric fan. I installed both ends with a jack under each coil bucket to relieve pressure on bolts. Then I lifted it up in the middle of the crossmember just by a couple cranks, about 1 inch. I installed the bar and adjusted where the heim threads were even. I turned the bar till I felt the slightest pressure. Locked down the nuts, then lowered the car. Took for a drive down a back road and I did feel a difference in the curves of the road, felt tighter, with a little less roll. Ver happy. Will post pic later.
On to my next mod, removable rear window.
On to my next mod, removable rear window.
