1972 Grabber "Handling Suspension" option?

My '72 Grabber (302) was ordered with the "handling suspension" option according to the Marti Report. I've seen other '72 Grabbers with 302's and no such "handling suspension" option.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

I don't have a '72 price list but HD suspension is listed for both '71 & '73(no I don't know if that's same as Performance).

Included HD springs, shocks & front stabilizer bar, price 12.00 for '71 & 11.66, '73...

 

I ordered a new 71 Comet GT. I ordered the handling suspension package. It came with 4 leaf springs on the rear. I don't know but was told the front springs were heavier. Front sway bar was bigger. I do know it would take a curve faster than Mavericks or Comets with out it.

 

Mine also came with AC. Could this have been a requirement for V8 AC cars due to weight?

 

Not necessarily, my `72 V8 non air has the handling suspension. Check out my Garage posting for the Marti report and specifics.

Linked below:

 

I doubt it, generally A/C cars have increased load rate front springs only. My '72 Comet has A/C and rear springs are three leaf. HD springs were a option.

At any rate 50, year old springs lost their HD rating probably 35 years ago.

 

It was basically a "tow package" to get 4-leaf rear springs.
Interesting though; I always thought the larger front sway-bar became an option in '75, but apparently it was earlier than that.

That stuff would have improved handling slightly, but it was still a pig with the skinny tires and such a high stance...

 

What's the diameter of the bigger sway bar?

 

IIRC 7/8.

 

Photo of mine after sanding, painting and new hardware. Taped over assembly marks, so the still show.

 

My 71 didn.t have air but I sat down with the sales man and an order sheet and ordered it exactly like I wanted. the way I ordered it came to $2888.00.

 

It's either 13/16" or 7/8", not 100% sure which. The standard bar is 3/4"...

 

My car has a 13/16" bar. I need something bigger but all I see are 7/8" bars. Would 1/16" larger make much difference?

 

Here's what I came up with... See attached.
(REF: https://eicac.co.uk/Torsion-in-Shaft-Calculator)

 

Thanks. I found an online calculator here:
http://www.auto-ware.com/calcs/swaybar.htm
From what I've been able to figure out going from my 13/16" bar to a 7/8" Maverick bar is a 39% increase in stiffness and going to to a 1" Mustang bar is an increase of 86%. The Mustang bar has slightly longer arms and that affects the rate.