Sway Bar Question

[3k73]

i have a ? i hope somebody on this site can answer for me.

does a rear sway bar from a 1970 mustang interchange with a 1971 mustang.Thanks in advance,Brad

 

[Mister 4x4]

i have a ? i hope somebody on this site can answer for me.

does a rear sway bar from a 1970 mustang interchange with a 1971 mustang.Thanks in advance,Brad

Brad,

I moved your thread to the Suspension Tech Area. Most of the guys who can answer your question tend to use the 'View New Posts' feature when they log in everyday, so it'll show up in the stack and someone should have an answer for you soon.

As for your question: I would think that as long as the overall dimensions for the width and depth are the same or at least really close, you should be OK. If they're more than an inch or more off, you'll have to be drilling holes or bending something to make it fit. I remember adding an aftermarket rear sway bar on mine (model-specific to '71-'73s) and it was not a perfect "everything just slips into place" installation - a little bit of hydro-pneumatic persuasion was needed for that last 1/4" to line everything up.

Good luck with it.

 

[3k73]

i have a ? i hope somebody on this site can answer for me.

does a rear sway bar from a 1970 mustang interchange with a 1971 mustang.Thanks in advance,Brad

Brad,

I moved your thread to the Suspension Tech Area. Most of the guys who can answer your question tend to use the 'View New Posts' feature when they log in everyday, so it'll show up in the stack and someone should have an answer for you soon.

As for your question: I would think that as long as the overall dimensions for the width and depth are the same or at least really close, you should be OK. If they're more than an inch or more off, you'll have to be drilling holes or bending something to make it fit. I remember adding an aftermarket rear sway bar on mine (model-specific to '71-'73s) and it was not a perfect "everything just slips into place" installation - a little bit of hydro-pneumatic persuasion was needed for that last 1/4" to line everything up.

Good luck with it.

Sorry about that Eric I was in a hurry to post and thanks for the reply.Brad

 

[Stanglover]

i have a ? i hope somebody on this site can answer for me.

does a rear sway bar from a 1970 mustang interchange with a 1971 mustang.Thanks in advance,Brad

Brad,

I moved your thread to the Suspension Tech Area. Most of the guys who can answer your question tend to use the 'View New Posts' feature when they log in everyday, so it'll show up in the stack and someone should have an answer for you soon.

As for your question: I would think that as long as the overall dimensions for the width and depth are the same or at least really close, you should be OK. If they're more than an inch or more off, you'll have to be drilling holes or bending something to make it fit. I remember adding an aftermarket rear sway bar on mine (model-specific to '71-'73s) and it was not a perfect "everything just slips into place" installation - a little bit of hydro-pneumatic persuasion was needed for that last 1/4" to line everything up.

Good luck with it.

Sorry about that Eric I was in a hurry to post and thanks for the reply.Brad

If you have one, try the fit. If it's no where near, buy a good one for the 71's. I bought a 7/8th" ADDCO and it fit quite well EXCEPT the shape is different to the 1/2" original due to the thicker material and it did interfere with the fuel line which I had to "modify" slightly by shimming out the holding bracket and using a longer self-tap screw, MAKE SURE THIS IS CLEAR of the bar. Hope this helps.

Geoff.

 

[Mister 4x4]

Sorry about that Eric I was in a hurry to post and thanks for the reply.Brad

No worries, Brutha! ::thumb::

 

[3k73]

Brad,

I moved your thread to the Suspension Tech Area. Most of the guys who can answer your question tend to use the 'View New Posts' feature when they log in everyday, so it'll show up in the stack and someone should have an answer for you soon.

As for your question: I would think that as long as the overall dimensions for the width and depth are the same or at least really close, you should be OK. If they're more than an inch or more off, you'll have to be drilling holes or bending something to make it fit. I remember adding an aftermarket rear sway bar on mine (model-specific to '71-'73s) and it was not a perthanfect "everything just slips into place" installation - a little bit of hydro-pneumatic persuasion was needed for that last 1/4" to line everything up.

Good luck with it.

Sorry about that Eric I was in a hurry to post and thanks for the reply.Brad

If you have one, try the fit. If it's no where near, buy a good one for the 71's. I bought a 7/8th" ADDCO and it fit quite well EXCEPT the shape is different to the 1/2" original due to the thicker material and it did interfere with the fuel line which I had to "modify" slightly by shimming out the holding bracket and using a longer self-tap screw, MAKE SURE THIS IS CLEAR of the bar. Hope this helps.

Geoff.

Thanks Geoff .I want the factory bar and was wondering(I have access to a 1970 bar)if a 1970 bar would fit.

 

[Stanglover]

Sorry about that Eric I was in a hurry to post and thanks for the reply.Brad

If you have one, try the fit. If it's no where near, buy a good one for the 71's. I bought a 7/8th" ADDCO and it fit quite well EXCEPT the shape is different to the 1/2" original due to the thicker material and it did interfere with the fuel line which I had to "modify" slightly by shimming out the holding bracket and using a longer self-tap screw, MAKE SURE THIS IS CLEAR of the bar. Hope this helps.

Geoff.

Thanks Geoff .I want the factory bar and was wondering(I have access to a 1970 bar)if a 1970 bar would fit.

The 1/2" factory bar on my 71 Mach1's so-called comp suspension is more like a noodle rather than a functioning anti-sway bar. If you're going for authenticity, no fowl there, but for performance handling, not so much. I keep all my old take-off stuff just in case I ever sell it to a purist. It can always be put back on. I never cut anything off.

Good luck with it.

Geoff.

 

[3k73]

Thanks again Geoff

 

[c9zx]

Use the bar for a 71-73. While you may be able to make the 70 bar go on the car, it may cause fitment problems with the exhaust pipes and or staggered shocks.

Chuck

 

[3k73]

Use the bar for a 71-73. While you may be able to make the 70 bar go on the car, it may cause fitment problems with the exhaust pipes and or staggered shocks.

Chuck

thanks, Chuck i was leaning that way.

Brad

 

[donkost]

I find it interesting that the rear sway bars are very often missing in underside pics of Mustangs which came with the competition suspension. That seems to be rarely the case for GM cars that came with a factory rear sway bar ('70 Chevelle, GTO, 442, etc.), so I wonder why they are removed from Mustangs which had them from the factory. My '71 Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air should have one, but it is not there. Granted, this car is not well-suited for handling with the 429 up front, so I really don't intend on tracking one down. Just wondering where they go if the factory rear bars are not that great for handling regardless. Highly-coveted item for show cars perhaps?

 

[4mm]

I don't mean to hijack the thread but might as well ask if the front sway bar for a 70 will interchange with a 71?

 

[Stanglover]

I find it interesting that the rear sway bars are very often missing in underside pics of Mustangs which came with the competition suspension. That seems to be rarely the case for GM cars that came with a factory rear sway bar ('70 Chevelle, GTO, 442, etc.), so I wonder why they are removed from Mustangs which had them from the factory. My '71 Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air should have one, but it is not there. Granted, this car is not well-suited for handling with the 429 up front, so I really don't intend on tracking one down. Just wondering where they go if the factory rear bars are not that great for handling regardless. Highly-coveted item for show cars perhaps?

I well could be wrong, but I seem to remember reading that rear sway bars were still an option despite so called competition suspension. Can't remember where I got that, but it wouldn't surprise me considering just about EVERYTHING was an option back in the day. That might be a bit of research worth doing!!

I just put a 7/8th ADDCO on my 351C Mach 1, now that's an anti-sway bar!!

 

[Bill73Ragtop]

I don't mean to hijack the thread but might as well ask if the front sway bar for a 70 will interchange with a 71?

I have to wonder why one would use stock sizes (unless building a concours show car) when brand new larger sized front ones can be purchased for approx $100 - $140. The benefits of a larger diameter are pretty much proven at this point and the new ones fit extremely well and the kits include all new bushings and fasteners.

 

[Stanglover]

I find it interesting that the rear sway bars are very often missing in underside pics of Mustangs which came with the competition suspension. That seems to be rarely the case for GM cars that came with a factory rear sway bar ('70 Chevelle, GTO, 442, etc.), so I wonder why they are removed from Mustangs which had them from the factory. My '71 Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air should have one, but it is not there. Granted, this car is not well-suited for handling with the 429 up front, so I really don't intend on tracking one down. Just wondering where they go if the factory rear bars are not that great for handling regardless. Highly-coveted item for show cars perhaps?

I'll check with a buddy of mine who has a J code that he recently restored as original........... well sort of! I think he still has that car, I know he wanted to sell it. He can tell me what rear bar it should have.

I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

Geoff.

 

[secluff]

I find it interesting that the rear sway bars are very often missing in underside pics of Mustangs which came with the competition suspension. That seems to be rarely the case for GM cars that came with a factory rear sway bar ('70 Chevelle, GTO, 442, etc.), so I wonder why they are removed from Mustangs which had them from the factory. My '71 Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air should have one, but it is not there. Granted, this car is not well-suited for handling with the 429 up front, so I really don't intend on tracking one down. Just wondering where they go if the factory rear bars are not that great for handling regardless. Highly-coveted item for show cars perhaps?

I well could be wrong, but I seem to remember reading that rear sway bars were still an option despite so called competition suspension. Can't remember where I got that, but it wouldn't surprise me considering just about EVERYTHING was an option back in the day. That might be a bit of research worth doing!!

I just put a 7/8th ADDCO on my 351C Mach 1, now that's an anti-sway bar!!

The stabilizer bars were not available separately, but were included in the competition suspension option. Agree they look like noodles when compared to what you see on Mustang's now. The bars on my 85 GT look like they came off a large truck, while the ones on my Mach 1's like they belong on a Pinto! Got to remember that when our cars were built, none of the Big 3's cars were noted for their stellular handling. So I guess even if they were the size of a straw, anything had to help.

 

[Stanglover]

I find it interesting that the rear sway bars are very often missing in underside pics of Mustangs which came with the competition suspension. That seems to be rarely the case for GM cars that came with a factory rear sway bar ('70 Chevelle, GTO, 442, etc.), so I wonder why they are removed from Mustangs which had them from the factory. My '71 Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air should have one, but it is not there. Granted, this car is not well-suited for handling with the 429 up front, so I really don't intend on tracking one down. Just wondering where they go if the factory rear bars are not that great for handling regardless. Highly-coveted item for show cars perhaps?

I well could be wrong, but I seem to remember reading that rear sway bars were still an option despite so called competition suspension. Can't remember where I got that, but it wouldn't surprise me considering just about EVERYTHING was an option back in the day. That might be a bit of research worth doing!!

I just put a 7/8th ADDCO on my 351C Mach 1, now that's an anti-sway bar!!

The stabilizer bars were not available separately, but were included in the competition suspension option. Agree they look like noodles when compared to what you see on Mustang's now. The bars on my 85 GT look like they came off a large truck, while the ones on my Mach 1's like they belong on a Pinto! Got to remember that when our cars were built, none of the Big 3's cars were noted for their stellular handling. So I guess even if they were the size of a straw, anything had to help.

It didn't make sense to me either that S-bars would not be included with Comp suspension, but we often read "stuff" right or wrong and it sticks in the back of the mind. Like I said, I could be wrong and I guess I was, Thanks for clearing that up. In the case with the 429 not having one, then it must have been removed and not replaced. If I had a 429, I'd put the biggest freakin anti-sway bars on it I could find!!

Geoff.

 

[donkost]

I guess this tried and true site pretty much spells it all out near the end of this page:

http://429mustangcougarinfo.50megs.com/suspension.htm

It also shows the '70 and '71 rear sway bars. Rear sway bars were like voodoo for US passenger cars back then, plus straight-line performance was where it was at. GM didn't start using them widespread until '70, although I recall the Oldsmobile engineers were using them a few years earlier. I installed a stock rear sway bar from a '70 GTO on my '68 GTO back in the early 80's and it did help. Just walked into the Pontiac dealer parts department where I hung out frequently and they had a new '70 GTO rear sway bar in its box on the shelf!

 

[mustang7173]

All,

One of the great books to have in your mustang library.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mustang-performance-and-handling-guide-1964-85-peter-c-sessler/1000242185

I have added the Sway Bar Specs. for the 1971 and 1972 Mustangs. According to the Mustang Performance and Handling Guide, the 1971-1973 mustangs handling improved with a 1 inch front bar and a 3/4 rear bar.

Now according to this book, How to Make Your Car Handle Paperback – January 1, 1987

by Fred Puhn (Author)

It states that performance street cars should use the same spring rates from the factory. As we all know, the springs hold up the mustang and the sway bars prevent body roll. If you want to lower your mustang, then get the lowering springs with the same spring rates.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Your-Car-Handle/dp/0912656468/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51Ib69ORuiL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=1M76YBC1RXH0FGXKAJ5G

Front Sway bars

Rear Sway bars

Source: Ford Master Parts Catalog , May 1975

mustang7173