Posted by T.L. on August 13, 1998 at 03:07:05:
In Reply to: Re:Sway Bar... DOH! posted by Ron S. on August 12, 1998 at 20:18:27:
BTW: 1" is actually too big for a Maverick and although would greatly reduce body roll, would also cause a SEVERE understeer condition. 7/8F--3/4R is the best handling package for these cars...
: Just dug out the paperwork for them, it was only a 7/8" front from PST...my bad D.J., I guess I was recalling the 1" measurement from the Granada bar that didn't fit. It is definitely an improve ment over the WIMPY stock bar though! (My Grabber still has the stock one and there's a big difference in the two!)
: : Hey Ron:
: : O.K....The 1" bar from a Granada won't fit.
: : I looked at ADDCOs webpage and PST, they don't
: : show a 1" front bar. Where did you get yours.
:
: : : Same problem! Bought a '79 Granada for thirty bucks to part out, and found the same thing (aw $#!T) ...just about every thing else in the suspension was a swap though! A word of caution...the springs are designed for a car almost 700 lbs heavier than a 'vintage' Maverick...=VERY STIFF ride!!! Went back to the Mav springs and added sway bars (1" frt 3/4" rear). The sway bars really improve handling without destroying the ride quality.
: : : Oh yea, sold the motor and trans for $75...net cost of "donor Ganada"...+$45 !!!God I love those Grandas ;-}
: : :
: : : : Sorry but this is not always true; I tried a 1" front bar from a Granada on my '73 and it was definately NOT a direct bolt-on. It was too long; probably because the Granada has a wider track than the Maverick. I ended up using a 7/8" bar from a '75 or '76 Maverick which is a rare option...
: : : :
: : : : : The larger diameter front sway bar that was used on the Granada/Monarch and Lincoln Versailes is a direct bolt -in on your Mav. You should be able to find one easily from a junkyard. I used a 7/8 in. one from a Versailes and ordered a new set of bushings for it from Peformance Suspension Technology (PST).
: : : : : : I ran into another Maverick person this weekend and the discussion
: : : : : : was about handling and suspensions. In his opinion the
: : : : : : best investment is a larger front sway bar. So....
: : : : : : what do I need and where do I find it.
: : : : : : p.s. only the REAL T.L. needs to respond.