RideTech front Muscle bar fitment?

[Paul1968]

Hello all. I'm a long time lurker of this great informative website. We just completed the installation of the Ridetech adjustable coilovers, strong-Arms, Tru-Turn, and muscle bar. Back is 4-Link with adjustable coilovers and rear Muscle bar. <br>
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My question is regarding the front Muscle Bar and the harmonic balancer on my 383 SBC. As you can see from the attached picture there is very little room between the two. Is this normal? If not what is the proper solution? The picture is a bit misleading and there is less space than it shows. I can't get a finger between the HB and the muscle bar.

ETA: Vehicle is a 1968 Camaro

[camrat68]

I had a similar issue in my 68 with a BBC. I shortened up the end link in order to gain clearance.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/109984-Problems-installing-MuscleBar-in-68-Camaro

Jim

[Paul1968]

It's not touching just very close. I don't think shortening the end link would give it more distance from the HB would it? The only solution I think would work is to add spacers where it bolts into the frame. The bar is the same diameter at the center correct? So with the suspension flexing it should just rotate but not come any closer to the HB. Correct?

Sorry for all the questions I'm new to this stuff.

Thanks, Paul

[camrat68]

I actually had the bar in backwards. After flipping it end for end, it contacted the front of the oil pan instead of the balancer. Your best bet would be to bolt everything up and run the suspension through it's full travel. Hitting the balancer even slightly on a running engine would be ugly at best. The bar is the same diameter all of the way across but with the way it's bent, it will move in an arc.

Jim

[Schwartz Performance]

To test, don't bolt the end links on.. Just move the bar to see if it gets closer. Spacers would be a good option. Don't use washers though :)

-Dale

[Paul1968]

To test, don't bolt the end links on.. Just move the bar to see if it gets closer. Spacers would be a good option. Don't use washers though :)

-Dale


I've actually driven the car a little before I noticed how close it was, but just straight line and didn't put the suspension through any serious flex. Any recommendations on spacers to use? Thickness?

[Schwartz Performance]

Once you move the bar, see how much space is between there. I would shoot for 1/2" clearance.

-Dale

[marolf101x]

Like Dale said, unbolt the end links and rotate the sway bar to check for clearance. You only have to go a couple of inches as that's all it moves in the car.

Though the bar is bent in the middle to clear the balancer, when rotated the bent part will rotate in a larger arc, and will actually create clearance as it moves away from the balancer.

[Paul1968]

Like Dale said, unbolt the end links and rotate the sway bar to check for clearance. You only have to go a couple of inches as that's all it moves in the car.

Though the bar is bent in the middle to clear the balancer, when rotated the bent part will rotate in a larger arc, and will actually create clearance as it moves away from the balancer.

Thanks Britt. I just tried it and it is touching when I rotate the bar. Do you sell spacers I can use or can you recommend any?

Thanks Paul

[TheJDMan]

You can get stainless steel or aluminum spacers from McMaster-Carr in just about any diameter and thickness you might need.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#unthreaded-spacers/=10ubtmd