AirRide Musclebar

[JEFFTATE]

I am interested in buying an AirRide Musclebar front Swaybar for my '69 Camaro.
Has anyone had any firsthand experience with these ?
AirRide products are always top notch.

My questions are :

1) What diameter is the bar itself ?

I have a ridiculously huge 1 1/4" solid bar on my car right now and it contributes to an understeer condition pretty bad.
Plus , with that particularly huge bar , my 8" enginer damper won't fit my engine. I have been forced to use a 6 3/4" damper.
So , I want a bar that will clear an 8" balancer.

2) Will the endlinks work on a car that has been lowered ?

These Musclebars come with Posi-link endlink joints. Not the old style bolt/bushing setup. So I guess bind would be lessened or almost eliminated. My car has been lowered a couple of inches in the front , so I wonder if the links are short enough ?

3) Do the links/bars work with stock control arms ?
My car just has stock lower arms with urethane bushings and the Guldstrand mod.
I just wonder if everything would line up right.

[oestek]

Here's our experience with 'em... the bar is big, and the endlinks are slick.

Video: http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/585/118/

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[JEFFTATE]

Cool , Thanks Kevin !

[oestek]

No Problem, Big E.

[JEFFTATE]

No Problem, Big E.

I Like That !

[darren@ridetech]

The bar that we are currently sending or for the 67-69 Camaro does not include PosiLinks. They didn't fit very well, so we completely redesigned the bar. The new bar w/ PosiLink should be on the shelf within the next few weeks. I don't have any images yet, I'll post them asap.

[darren@ridetech]

The new Camaro MusclebBar is a similar design to the new 58-64 Implala bar that we just finished. Here are some pics of it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/attachmentphpattachmentid146d1215790656-1.jpg

[JEFFTATE]

Thanks Darren.

Damn ! Thats a good looking bar ? Are those splined ends ?

Do the links work with stock a-arms ?
Do they work with a lowered car ?
Will my 8 " balancer clear ?

If the newer / re-designed bar is gonna' be available in a few months , I'll wait and get one.
Thanks again !

[Rick Dorion]

How does the new bar's rate compare to my current 1 1/8" hollow Hotchkis bar? Also, I like those end links but it seems they won't work with my current bar. True?

[darren@ridetech]

The Impala sway bar is 1 1/4" and I am pretty sure the the Camaro will be the same. We looked at using a splined bar, but it was too easy to get them clocked wrong, so we went with this bolt on design.

Keep in mind that these pics are of the 58-64 Impala MuscleBar.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/attachmentphpattachmentid149d1215790882-1.jpg

[darren@ridetech]

How does the new bar's rate compare to my current 1 1/8" hollow Hotchkis bar? Also, I like those end links but it seems they won't work with my current bar. True?

Doubt it. We tried them with other aftermarket bars and it would not work. I think that the end links are too short.

[nowukno]

Will these type bars and links be available for other model cars,Like G-Bodies?

[oestek]

The new Camaro MusclebBar is a similar design to the new 58-64 Implala bar that we just finished. Here are some pics of it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/attachmentphpattachmentid146d1215790656-1.jpg

Nice!

[shmoov69]

Ohhh, 58 Imp eh?!??! My Nomad is lowered with springs and dropped spindles and just springs in the back. It had no factory bar. Will your stuff work? And how much???
Thanks

Sorry to hyjack your post Jeff!

[JEFFTATE]

Ohhh, 58 Imp eh?!??! My Nomad is lowered with springs and dropped spindles and just springs in the back. It had no factory bar. Will your stuff work? And how much???
Thanks

Sorry to hyjack your post Jeff!

I don't care. Hijack away !
It keeps the thread rolling.

[protouring70]

Its a pretty comical video to watch. Good show though.:twothumbs

[darren@ridetech]

Ohhh, 58 Imp eh?!??! My Nomad is lowered with springs and dropped spindles and just springs in the back. It had no factory bar. Will your stuff work? And how much???
Thanks

Sorry to hyjack your post Jeff!

I think so, but you will most like have to weld a tab to the front of your control arm. Haven't tried it yet tho......
$395 for everything you see in the pic.

[darren@ridetech]

Will these type bars and links be available for other model cars,Like G-Bodies?

We really like this design, more appealing and offers tons of tire clearance, so there is a good chance. Only time will tell tho.

[shmoov69]

Ok darren, that looks like a nice piece! I do have a couple q's though.
What is the deal with the endlinks?
When you say that you haven't tried it yet, what do you mean? On a 58 or what exactly?
Why is your bar and kit better than Joe Blow's bar and kit?
Thanks!!

[darren@ridetech]

Ok darren, that looks like a nice piece! I do have a couple q's though.
What is the deal with the endlinks?
When you say that you haven't tried it yet, what do you mean? On a 58 or what exactly?
Why is your bar and kit better than Joe Blow's bar and kit?
Thanks!!

We have not tried it on the factory arms yet, we have only fit it on our StrongArms.

The main reason for using the PosiLinks versus a traditional endlink is performance. When entering a corner with the a bushing type endlink the first inch or so of compression you are merely compressing the bushing, not twisting the bar. With PosiLinks you are always on the bar. Second reason is durablitly. We have been using these for a couple years now and I have yet to see one wear out. They can take up to 45 degrees of misalignment.

The main reason for using a bolt together type sway bar versus a bent bar is tire clearance. Also on the Impala's, steering box clearance has always been an issue. With this bar you can use any steering box.

Oh....and they look cool too. :)

[shmoov69]

Thanks for the info!! I do dig it!

[BSER]

Do you have an application for a 65elcamino front and rear. I was just about to plull the trigger on the hotchkiss set up but these look like the may work better with my lowered ride.

Thanks

And yes the look cool too.

[55chevyman]

Is there going to be a set like this available for tri-five chevys? Because i was also about going to purchase some hotchkis bars.

[darren@ridetech]

Do you have an application for a 65elcamino front and rear. I was just about to plull the trigger on the hotchkiss set up but these look like the may work better with my lowered ride.

Thanks

And yes the look cool too.

Yes, we do offer a MuscleBar w/ PosiLinks for the front of the A-bodies. It is a standard bent bar tho, not a bolt together type. Again, we have only approved fitment with our arms, so if you want to use the factory arms or someone elses you will have to be careful with fiment. We do offer a rear bar as well, but it attaches to the lower arms, therefore does not need an endlink.

[darren@ridetech]

Is there going to be a set like this available for tri-five chevys? Because i was also about going to purchase some hotchkis bars.

Yes, we have a bent bar w/ PosiLinks for the Tri 5's.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25281&stc=1&d=1218466501

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25282&stc=1&d=1218466501

[DarkoNova]

Do these work for 68-74 Novas? If not, do you have a kit for Novas? Right now I've got a 1 1/8" Hotchkis and I've already had to replace the bushings due to deformation, and on top of that, my wheels actually hit the bar at full lock. This definitely looks like it will help both problems.

Matt

[darren@ridetech]

The 68-74 Nova is the same as the 67-69 Camaro. We have a bolt together type bar similar to the Impala bar designed for it. Should be ready to ship shortly.

Here is another shot of the 58-64 Implala bar installed on our display chassis.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/attachmentphpattachmentid160stc1d1218555-1.jpg

[DarkoNova]

Awesome, that's what I was hoping for. How soon is shortly? A week or two? A month? Christmas?

Just wondering when I should start putting money aside, lol.

Matt

[darren@ridetech]

Let's say a month, two at the most.

[DarkoNova]

That's perfect because I finally got another job. I'll be waiting for this!

Matt

[JEFFTATE]

The bar that we are currently sending or for the 67-69 Camaro does not include PosiLinks. They didn't fit very well, so we completely redesigned the bar. The new bar w/ PosiLink should be on the shelf within the next few weeks. I don't have any images yet, I'll post them asap.

So..
I wonder if they are available yet ?

Darren , I pm'd you .

[darren@ridetech]

We've been testing the latest design and bar size at the last couple events. Shouldn't be too long.

[JEFFTATE]

Thanks Darren !
AirRide is the best !

[55chevyman]

will the tri-5 chevy bar with posilinks work with stock lower control arms???
also how big is it??

[chuckd71]

Bumping and old thread instead of starting a new one.
Is your modular bar in any way more appropriate than a traditional bent bar in a setup using shockwaves? I'm going to need a new bar for my chevelle and was wondering what if any advantage there might be. It certainly looks cool though.

[marolf101x]

The main advantage with our modular sway bar is tire clearance. Typically you don't have an issue with the sway bar hitting the air spring (once in a while you see it, but it's fairly rare).

I do REALLY like the Posi-Links, however. I've never had good luck with the "pogo sticks" as the poly likes to degrade then everything starts making noise.

[chuckd71]

Well, I just ordered one from a sponsor so we'll see how it goes.

[Bad94]

is any one running this sway bar with a sub frame that has the bump stop bracket on the front side of the coil spring pocket?

[chuckd71]

Musclebar came in today and if I keep it I hope to get it installed over the weekend. Pretty disappointed that despite their website showing it as being grey and cool looking it's just going to end up being another boring piece of black metal under the car. Ultimately not a deal breaker but I would have thought a $500 bar could at least come as advertised. Maybe I'm a petty dickhead but I hate not getting exactly what I think I'm paying for. On the plus side it looks pretty well made and the instructions are simple enough. Requires a couple holes to be drilled and tapped but that's not a big deal.

[JRouche]

Musclebar came in today and if I keep it I hope to get it installed over the weekend. Pretty disappointed that despite their website showing it as being grey and cool looking it's just going to end up being another boring piece of black metal under the car.

I kinda know what you mean. I bought a sway bar from air ride and the finish on the bar was not great. Not like the pictures. It it prolly powder coated, Im not sure? If it is its one of the thinner less durable powder coating jobs I have bought.

I ended up not using the bar, and not even because of the finish :) No, I just decided to go with a speedway engineering three piece splined bar instead. Why? Well I good luck with one on the rear so I figured Id try one on the front. And it was some work to get it to clear EVERYTHING for ALL the suspension travel (I have air ride shockwaves so there is a lil more travel clearance issues). But the speedway splined bars are nice, not expensive, quality USA made parts and if I want to do some dramatic spring rate changes its only 90 bucks for a new tortion bar. And they make so many bars in various rates the numbers are endless.

Now I have a brand new air ride bar and links sitting up in the rafters for what reason Ill never figure out :) JR

Speedway bar in my 62 nova.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/zn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/zs-1.jpg

A tight fit really!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/zu-1.jpg

[mell69]

is any one running this sway bar with a sub frame that has the bump stop bracket on the front side of the coil spring pocket?

Yes, I just installed one on a 69 Camaro with a stock subframe and Strong Arm control arms. I had to cut off the upper bumpstop brackets to clear the sway bar side arms through full suspension travel. Not a huge deal, and the rest of the install was very straight forward.

[marolf101x]

Sorry about the color. . .it's been discussed many times on this board, but we paint our display parts silver so you can see them on the display chassis.

All steel production parts are black powdercoat so they disappear under the car.

[61ragtop]

I think so, but you will most like have to weld a tab to the front of your control arm. Haven't tried it yet tho......
$395 for everything you see in the pic.

Is that a sale or forum member price? The site says $500, I already got the front one but want a rear one now too.

[chuckd71]

Guess I must have missed it, next time I'll do a thorough search of internet forums before ordering a product. I wasn't looking at a display chassis though, I was looking at the item page on your site, and the powder that is on it is about as thick and durable-looking as a coat of spray paint, which isn't what I expected in this price range or based on my other items from ridetech in general. Maybe it's sold with the understanding that the buyer will be recoating it anyway, I don't know. Not a huge deal either way, but when it came in I was excited to open it; when I saw what it looked like I was no longer excited about it.
Looks aside it seems like a solid piece of equipment and I have no reason to think it won't work well for my application. I'll just recoat it over the winter and move on. Problem solved.

[SR71]

Is that a sale or forum member price? The site says $500, I already got the front one but want a rear one now too.

that post was from back in '08.

[marolf101x]

I do apologize for the thickness of the coating. If there is anything we can do to help please let me know. We do sell "high end" parts and the customer being satisfied is top priority; whether that be with performance or appearance!

The sway bars run on the same line as the control arms (and all of our other coated parts), and typically at the same time. Maybe the coater just "dusted" that particular unit as most of our parts have quite a nice, thick finish.