installing 68-72 nova 4-link

[71prot]

Does anyone have a starting point for upper and lower 4-link bars plus the Panhard bar? I appreciate any help!

[ford396]

In my oppinion:

Lowers-0 to 2 degrees uphill to the front.
Uppers-3 to 5 degrees downhill to the front.
Panhard- 8 to 12 inches from ground.

These all depend on desired results and usage. The trailing arm angles mentioned will provide good traction without inducing huge amounts of roll steer. More angle on the uppers will provide traction off corner, but will have an opposite effect on getting into a corner and loosen the rear of the chassis.

The panhard bar is more dependent upon rear roll couple versus front roll couple. The stiffer the rear springs, the lower the bar will need to be to balance the setup. The stiffer the front roll couple, the higher the bar will need to be to find a balance.

[71prot]

thanks for your help. Im using the heidts kit on a 71 nova. The panhard bar is welded off the left shock mount. Thinking its more than 8-12" off ground,looking at others I think at ride height its about paralled with the sway bar crossmember? You may not be familiar with their setup! Thanks for your reply

[ford396]

You are correct: I am not familiar with the Heidts kit. However; it does not matter who's name is on the kit, the geometry should similar. I would hope that they made the bar height adjustable? If not and you plan on anything more than street cruising, I would rework their brackets so that they are.

If the bar is higher, it is not the end of the world but changes a persons setup parameters. Would need softer rear springs or stiffer front. Just not optimal in my opinion. With all of the race cars that I have worked on for people, I always tell them that there is more than one way or approach to chassis setup. I feel that this is what makes our sport great.

Good luck with your project.

Bob