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rear sway bar |
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xspiriment
AMC Nut Joined: Apr/27/2009 Location: New Mexico Status: Offline Points: 376 |
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Posted: Apr/16/2020 at 11:35am |
Trying to get comparisons between the stock rear sway bar and a addco sway bay. I have a 79 AMX V8 with stock suspension. Any one think the addco bar would be better than stock. I know there both 3/4" diameter. One thing I don't like on the stock setup is the leaf spring isolators, but I can eliminate those. What are your guys thoughts on what may work better. Thanks
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304-dude
AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/29/2008 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 9081 |
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Not sure which member did a modified installation of an addico kit, which improved it's functionality. Hopefully they can give their input. The weak part of how the kit mounts the bar that makes it not so effecient. Minor changes to mount to the body, is what I recall, if I am correct. I think SC360Hornet did it or someone with a yellow Hornet posted his install mod.
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71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons 78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low 50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension 79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker |
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73Gremlin401
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Mar/02/2013 Location: Stmbt Sprgs CO Status: Offline Points: 941 |
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I've done the Addco kit on several AMCs now, and here's what I've found works best. On 2-seat AMXs and Gremlins, the bar is a tad too stiff for my liking, but it is just right on Javelins/Hornets/Concords, which have a longer wheelbase. To correct the issue, Addco offered (and may still offer) what was called an 'adjustable end-link' kit, which replaces the center spacer tube with a spring or combination of springs, which collapse or extend as you enter a corner. What this does is slow-down the reaction time of the sway bar, so you have a moment to get the car settled into a turn before the bar takes full effect. What is really nice about the kit is that a bunch of different stiffness springs came with it, so you can tune the bite of the bar to your specific liking, or if changing from sticky autocross rubber to street rubber.
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73 Gremlin 401/5-spd.
77 Matador Wagon 360/727. 81 Jeep J10 LWB 360/4-spd 83 Concord DL 4-dr 258/auto |
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farna
Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19611 |
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I'd run the stock rear sway bar. Don't go to the stiffer Addco in the rear unless you're also using a stiffer (than stock) Addco bar in the front.
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Frank Swygert
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THE MENACE
AMC Addicted Joined: Nov/04/2008 Location: So. California Status: Offline Points: 4428 |
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Every car is different and every driver is different. The stiffer sway bar can always be softened up (as said above) by replacing the center sleeves with springs. You can even use different spring pressures to find ones that work well with your car and your driving style. Or even use different durometer bushings to change the stiffness. In other words sway bars are tunable! Also keep in mind that over steer is way more controllable than under steer. In the words of the late great Dale Earnhardt "it's better to have a little over steer than any under steer"
Dennis
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Former Owner of:
The Craig Breedlove "AERO AMX" Still Owner: SS/AMX #9 replica (THE BIG MENACE) 70 AMX 416, EFI, Nash 5 speed 70 Javelin 401, 727 (Wife's) 72 Gremlin Autocross Project. |
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Sonic Silver
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Nov/23/2011 Location: East Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 7903 |
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343sharpstick
AMC Addicted Joined: Mar/10/2010 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 554 |
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Right on Dennis.
When it comes to suspension changes you mostly need to make a change like this and give it a try.
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