Basic Sway Bar Question (newb)

[ixfn]

I’ve recently done a basic front end rebuild on my Coupe Deville project, and lowered the front almost 4 inches using Hotchkis Impala SS springs. My concern is that it looks like the sway bar may or will bottom out against the frame by being dropped this much; I got two pictures to show the interference I’m worried about. To remedy this (if it’s even a problem) is what? Different contoured sway bar?

Any response appreciated!

[Derek69SS]

It looks like you have plenty of tie-rod clearance to shorten the end-links at least an inch or 2.

[ixfn]

It looks like you have plenty of tie-rod clearance to shorten the end-links at least an inch or 2.

My knee jerk reaction was to just hack the end links, but thought that'd be too simple

[Derek69SS]

You may run out of threads, so you'll either have to find a shorter bolt, or run a die over it and make more threads.

[DarkoNova]

The bar is supposed to be parallel to the ground at ride height, and it looks like it's angled up, so getting a shorter link would probably be the best solution.

Matt

[ixfn]

Sounds good, just didn't want to disturb anything "geometrically"

[Derek69SS]

As long as it doesn't hit the tie-rods, there's nothing to screw up.

[parsonsj]

just didn't want to disturb anything "geometrically"

Actually, you've already done that. Lowering the car that much disturbed the OEM design. The "fix" is to shorten the links and get the swing arm portion of the ASB back close to horizontal. Another fix would be aluminum blocks between the bushings and the frame to lower the main portion of the ASB an inch or so.

It would also be a good idea (if you can) to remove the spring and work the kinematics of the front suspension to make sure nothing else comes in contact.

Good luck; be sure and let us know how you make out.

jp

[ixfn]

Ok all, I went to take a peek at my bar 'n links today, and noticed by bumpstops on my lower control arms are nearly bottomed out! The stance really isn't that low to me, but I guess for the chassis it IS. The first pic just shows the bumpstop on the LCA:



This just shows the angle of the LCA:


Here's a pic of the stance: 1 & 2

So NOW what? Different spindles, arms, ??? I really don't want to change the stance.

[Buff]

why not use drop spindles? they would only require a two inch drop spring. and would give you more LCA to bumpstop clearance.

[ixfn]

why not use drop spindles? they would only require a two inch drop spring.

I don't know a whole lot about spindles, but what "body" type would fit an 80's DeVille? - Same chassis as 80's Caprice/Impala.

[MonzaRacer]

Read the sticky about drop spindles first.
I dont like them anymore.
As for the bump stop you can ghet some shorter one from
air ride Technologies that are very flat and are stud mount.Rememberthat with shorter stiffer springs your not supposed to have 6 inches of travel anymore. You may have a max of 2 as the springs should be stiffer to stop the body from rolling over.
It looks like yoou may need to get a different outer tie rod and do some work on getting the tie rods more level to fix bump steer problems.
Good Luck
Lee