Steering, Suspension, & Brakes

Hey guys,

Replaced my front 5/8 sway bar with a 3/4 (brit-tek) a couple of weeks ago. My 14" wheels are hitting the nuckle in the bar when I make a tight turn. I ordered and just installed 3/4 aluminum split shaft stop collars - the bars wouldn't remain centered, so obviously this should take care of that issue. Well, before I pulled the jacks, I put the old 5/8 up along the installed 3/4 and the sleeved eyelets (where the top link bolt goes thru) fit on the INSIDE of the 3/4 sleeved eyelets. The 5/8 bar measures 347/8" on the outside of eyelets - looks like the 3/4 is at least an 1" wider then the 5/8". Has anyone else had this problem upgrading their sway bar?

Thanks, Tony

Wish I could help Tony. I have a 3/4" bar, but of unknown origin + I have 15" wheels. If it helps at all, i can measure the width of mine.

Sure Rob, that would be great. Bob @ Brit-tek gets his from Moss. He says he's recently sold about 40 of these 3/4 bars and didn't have any in stock to measure. He's supposed to follow-up with Moss - mine may be a freak of workmanship. I'm disappointed as I'm going to BV8-09, and the 3/4 definitely enhanced the front stiffness over the 5/8.

Thanks, Tony

Tony,

I've always run 14s. Switched to 3/4" sway bar, then moved on to a 7/8" front bar. Same wheels, same tie rod ends, no interference. I would think it would depend on the thickness of the wheel to some degree.

Tony, measured it at the eyelets -- 37" outside to outside; 35 1/4" inside to inside.

Rob - Thanks for taking the time to measure. I just found the problem. The previous owner evidently modified (shortened width) the 5/8 bar and moved it forward about an inch (bar would run right through swivel mounted oil filter in original location) - so I dropped the new 3/4 bar at the local welding shop yesterday.

Carl - I guess I should have checked on forum whether to go with 3/4 or 7/8. I have a custom radiator with a varying gap of about 1/4" - 3/8" at bottom and between chassis rails and rad. Had to cop an attitude to get those 1/2" wide shaft collars to fit between bushings and radiator. My sway bar lays against bottom of rad (solid part) - so I'm not sure if a 7/8" would have fit without taking a sledge to it. Also, I've read that moving up to 7/8" potentially or most instances requires an offsetting rear bar (racing applications). Since we're familiar with your auto - xing record, what say you?

Tony,

With no rear bar, I think you will like the 3/4" bar.

My car has the stock rear bar (in a poly bushing) to go with the front 7/8" bar. I was very happy with the handling, especially on the track at Putnam Park & Nelson Ledges.

As for your clearance with the radiator, the sway bar can be spaced downward without affecting the handling.