rear sway bars

[marine165]

Hey, all,

I was wondering what everybody's thoughts are on stiff rear sway bars on our cars. If I go ahead and put very, very stiff springs in the front like I plan to, I need to dramatically increase the roll stiffness in the rear, or else the car will do nothing but push through the corners!
I've heard grumblings someplace that it is possible to use a front sway bar in the rear, with some unknown modification to the rear end links. Does anyone know anything more about this? I don't know about the rest of you, but as far as I'm concerned the 5/8" rear sway bar that I have stock on my car is a joke! I know there are cars with 7/8" bars out there, but it seems to me that going with anything less that 1" just isn't worth while....
Discuss! :)

Mike

[Gearworks]

off hand i really dont remember the size of my rear sway bar. but i do know its from a "ride engineered" (what the hell is that?) 78 cougar. when i put it on the 'monster, i used all urethane mounts and remade the end links and mounting brackets out of stainless instead of the factory tin foil. I dont have a problem with mine, she'll lay into a 80mph off ramp without complaining at all.

as for the use of a front bar on the rear, i cant even begin to imagine the hassle that requires to pull off!

paul

[marine165]

Hehe... :) "Ride Engineered" is a badge that went on all mercurys of that era. My Cougar has that one on the passenger side dash, too. It doesn't mean anything special at all.
Trust me, I caught plenty of flak over that little badge in my time. Somehow it doesn't quite belong in a car I'm trying to make into a sports car. I always joke that "yeah, Mercury made this car Ride Engineered, and I'm busy engineering it all right back out again." :thumbsup

Mike

[Gearworks]

hahahahaha

yes ford has been known to drop the ball on occasion haven't they?

paul