When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Question: 1971 Conv. small block, 4 speed, no air. The ends of my front sway bar point down, are they supposed to point up? I've owned the car for 9 years and never considered it may be upside down though am now beginning to question it. Thanks in advance.
Question: 1971 Conv. small block, 4 speed, no air. The ends of my front sway bar point down, are they supposed to point up? I've owned the car for 9 years and never considered it may be upside down though am now beginning to question it. Thanks in advance.
You were asking about the ends of the bar, right, not the bolt?
In that case, judging by the other photos, both your bar AND your bolts are backwards.
With the weight of the car on the ground, ideally the end of the sway bar should be positioned so it does not mash either the upper rubber bushing or the lower bushing. The slight bend at the end of the sway bar varies with stock bars and with aftermarket bars, so get the best fit whether it goes up or down. Looks like you could get a better fit if you flipped your bar. Even if you do it the wrong way the worst is it may wear out the bushing sooner. The bolt is easier to install from the bottom with threads up.
To expand a bit on ronarndts post: For a little more refinement, check the distance from the bar to the lower arm supports without the links installed and with the car on the ground. If there is any significant difference you may want to consider adjusting the links via the tubing separator. Otherwise the bar will be weight jacking the front suspension.
Front Sway Bar
