Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

How do you set a sway bar neutral? I'm trying to set up a C4 1986 corvette. I read you only have to use one adjustable link on the pass side with drivers weigh in the seat, then set the bar so the bolt goes thru easy. Is that correct? This is for a drag car and I've read a few times setting the rear bar neutral helps plant the tires more even, but so far it has done the opposite. It seems to have jacked up the pass side and that side is spinning more.

Are you talking about an ARB in the rear?

If so, it should have adjustable links on both sides. With the main tube of the ARB bolted up, the arms of it should swing up and down freely. Then you install the adjustable links to the axle housing, then hook up the drivers side link (typically) so that the arms are horizontal. Then with your weight in the drivers seat you have someone adjust the passenger adjustable link so that the bolt just slides through the heim on the adjustable link. That is your neutral setting.

It's easier to do, than to type out how to do it. lol

Are you running a 4 link? Or stock type suspension?



Jeff

What's an ARB? Stock suspension. Also it was set on the ground.

Here you go... http://www.dragzine.com/project-cars/pr ... roll-bars/


Some guys call them sway bars, that's why I asked if you were talking about the ARB.

From your picture it appears that your bar has adjustability as well. Did you make sure the suspension was settled before trying to hook up the bar? Is the bar free to move if you unhook the ends of it? It should move freely. Once you know it will move, take it out for a short drive with the end links disconnected. Can you reach the links without removing the tires, and or jacking the car up?

Ideally you want the car to stay "relaxed", then hook up your sway bar. See if that works any better. Is this a stock bar, or an aftermarket larger bar?



Jeff

Here is a quick little article on adjusting a rear ARB. The theory for the adjustment should be exactly the same as your setup... except that yours is probably a soft mounted (bushings) bar instead of solid mounted like ARB's are.

http://www.baselinesuspensions.com/info/arb.htm




Jeff

Thx I've read both those prior to making the adjustable link. I can get to the link with the car down on the ground. The car was moved so the suspension had settled, IRS tend to sit higher when you 1st set them down. I read a few times I only need one side the pass for a stock bar, but maybe I'll try an adjustable on both sides.

Sometimes you can do all the reading and homework and it still doesn't work like it should. So figured I'd ask and get some real person advice.

FYI I removed the bar and the car worked better LOL

BOOT wrote:FYI I removed the bar and the car worked better LOL

That's the only way to know if something works or not... trial and error.


Jeff