Posted by John B. (209.5.220.229) on January 02, 2001 at 20:03:08:
In Reply to: Re: What's the benefit of a rear sway bar? posted by KEN on January 01, 2001 at 17:28:20:
:I'd be the first one to admit that I could be wrong, but isn't the first bar you describe (frame or body to axle) actually a Panhard rod? I've yet to come across any references to this type of a link as a sway bar. Rather, as you've pointed out, the term is usually applied to the same item as is also called an anti-roll bar. I believe this usuage of the term is correct, but maybe somebody else knows for sure. Hope you don't mind my questionning you on this. Sincerely, John B
: I would like to point out that the terms swaybar and antiroll bar are being used interchangably. They are quite different from oneanother. The sway bar is used to fix the body location in relation to the axle. As for example,the cars of the 50-60 and into the 70 had coil springs in the rear and very little in the way of control locating arms. A very stiff straight rod mounted from the frame or body on one side to the axle housing on the other side keeps the body in a fixed location so there is minimum latteral movment. This type of bar does little to improve handling but without it the rear would feel like a big whip,break shocks,tires might rub the fenders and all sorts of giratios would go on.
: The anti roll bar looks much the same as the front bar now on the car except it will be shaped to fit for clearence around the shocks,exhust etc.. It functions the same as the front bar and like a torsion spring that resists the roll motion of the body when going around a turn.It keeps the body more leval and the driver feels more in control. As has already been said, to stiff a rear bar will tend to take away front traction and tend to make the car want to go straight when going into a turn hard. Don't play roadracer or sports car driver when you get it on unless you are an accomplished racer. Just enjoy that extra nice feeling it gives. Best to you. Ken.