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Problem installing 1.25" front sway bar with lowering springs

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6.5K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  Rokker  
S
#1 ·
I added a 1" rear sway bar on my 71 so I wanted to upgrade the front to a 1.25" bar. Figured it would be a 20min swap, WRONG! :mad: Both sides of the bar are rubbing on the frame where it bulges out for the spring pocket. Well, after looking at it for awhile I think it's because my front springs don't create enough space between the lower control arm and the frame. They are drag springs but sit like lowering springs. Would you guys agree this is the problem? I believe the bar is made by Addco. Just want to make sure others haven't had success with a different brand 1.25" bar in a similar situation before I order a smaller one.

Here's a pic, but please ignore how nasty my undercarraige looks. :eek: She's getting a full tear down this winter. :thumbsup:

Image
 
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#3 ·
That might work. The "ears" of the bar wouldn't be parallel with the end link bushings. It would create a gap on one side between the bushings and the bar. Would that be OK as long as I tighten them good? The end link would also be tilted a little more.
 
B
#4 ·
Sorry to bring a thread back up from the dead but I am having the same problem and wondered what the solution ended up being? I tried longer links and it still hits, shorter links will likely interfere with the tie rod adjuster sleeves. I'm in the middle of making my own posi links like the ones from ridetech which are going to look neat but likely not solve my problem.

btw its a hotchkis 1 3/8 bar
 
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G
#6 ·
Bar should not contact the frame anywhere except for the bracket mount points. If it does, bar is too narrow. Installed Hellwig Tubular kits 55706 1.25" front, 55868 1.125" rear. Rear is the ProTour style. Running it on full stiff. Car corners dead flat. Install was easy, fit was great. If you have an aftermarket bar and it hits somewhere, it's probably the wrong bar.
 
H
#7 ·
GRN69CHV said:
If you have an aftermarket bar and it hits somewhere, it's probably the wrong bar.
Click to expand...
I agree with that statement.
I'm using a 1" addco with excellent handling results
 
B
#10 ·
after experimenting with several different end link options I'm going to have to change bars, long end links clear the tie rods but hit the frame, short end links hit the tie rods but clear the frame.

Time for a new bar
 
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G
#11 ·
If you can swing it, give the Hellwig Hollow bars consideration. Hellwig Tubular kits 55706 1.25" front, 55868 1.125" rear. Even if you don't want to do the ProTour frame mount style rear bar, the hollow 55706 front bar drops a bunch of weight off the nose. 1.25" hollow has about the same effect as a 1-1/8" solid. Although, the combo works well together.
 
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#12 ·
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B
#13 ·
I think I will go with the tubular DSE bar, I've had good luck with there products in the past, but I'm going to do more research before I purchase. I already have the Hotchkis pro touring bar in the rear and don't have any problems with it.
 
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R
#14 ·
I had no trouble with the Helwig bars. Except for the bad threads in my frame. But can't blame Helwig for that.
 
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