Performance Pack Sway Bar Part Numbers

[BmacIL]

I called Tasca and there is a PP front stabilizer bar. Part #: FR3Z-5482-B. The non PP version is Part #: FR3Z-5482-A. The mounting bushings however are the same part number implying the diameter of the 2 is the same.

Does anyone know the difference in the two? Is the PP made from a stiffer material? Or is it solid vs hollow? The sales material says when you order a GT with PP you get a bigger rear stabilizer bar. It says nothing about the front however.

I'm sure the aftermarket Steedas etc are much better, but I'm on a budget and would like to see if the stock PP ones make a noticeable difference, especially in the front since it looks a bit more involved to change

Also, is there any way to tell from my VIN what I actually have installed on my GT?

The only difference between the PP front bar and the base is that the PP bar has what is called 'sticky' bushings, that improve on-center feel. The bar is identical otherwise, so unless you want to go significantly stiffer (Steeda/BMR/Eibach), don't bother with the work to change it, IMO.

Sponsored

 

[emba129]

Did you leave the front sway bar alone and stay with stock GT ( non PP)?

 

[BmacIL]

Did you leave the front sway bar alone and stay with stock GT ( non PP)?

Yep. No plans to change it until I decide to go to aftermarket bars. The gains are, IMO, minimal for the work required. The strut tower brace & cowl brace improved turn-in and on-center response enough to where I am pretty happy. The rear is super easy to install.

 

[emba129]

You mentioned the "rear dampers" made a big difference. I'm sorry, what do you mean by dampers? Is there a PP part number for those ?

 

[BmacIL]

You mentioned the "rear dampers" made a big difference. I'm sorry, what do you mean by dampers? Is there a PP part number for those ?

Rear dampers = rear shock absorbers

The PP ones are monotube vs. twin tube and have firmer compression (this is the most noticeable) and rebound damping. The ride is still completely acceptable while launching harder (less/slower squat). The day I installed them, I did a hard launch from a light, but not a clutch dump, and it was the first time the tires were really spinning and then hooking up instead of hopping really terribly.

FR3Z-18125-W is what you want from any of the Ford Parts stores (Tasca/Levittown/Whitebear Lake). They're only ~$60 each.

 

[emba129]

Thanks. I'll check them out. On another note, I contacted Ford Performance. They gave me a Ford Racing Sway Bar kit, p/n M-5490-E. I figured it was the PP components, until I checked the price. $500+. Must not be the PP production ones.

I think for now I'll go with the strut tower brace, the cowl k bracket, rear PP sway bar and possibly the dampers.

That should improve things a bit

 

[BmacIL]

Thanks. I'll check them out. On another note, I contacted Ford Performance. They gave me a Ford Racing Sway Bar kit, p/n M-5490-E. I figured it was the PP components, until I checked the price. $500+. Must not be the PP production ones.

I think for now I'll go with the strut tower brace, the cowl k bracket, rear PP sway bar and possibly the dampers.

That should improve things a bit

It does, definitely. You'll have the same setup I do by doing that. The car is much closer to how the PP feels compared to stock.


The Ford Racing ones are thicker sway bars than the PP bars if they're from the Track Handling pack. If from the street handling pack, they're identical to the PP parts.

 

[BMR Tech]

The mounting bushings are NOT the same. Neither are the mounting saddles.

The PP comes with a larger mass, more rigid, "sticky" bushing that increases the rate technically.

The Non-PP comes with a smaller mass, less rigid and "floating" non-bonded bushing and a weaker mounting saddle.

See the photos below. Non PP left, PP right.

Honestly, I see people posting quite a bit of misinformation from phone calls they have made to companies that you would think know better.

I am here to tell you, that person on the phone hasnt touched a fraction of the S550s I have. ;)

 

[z06psi]

I have mine here sitting outside. I was going to throw them away. You pay shipping and give me 20.00 for my troubles and someone can have them.

 

[BmacIL]

The mounting bushings are NOT the same. Neither are the mounting saddles.

The PP comes with a larger mass, more rigid, "sticky" bushing that increases the rate technically.

The Non-PP comes with a smaller mass, less rigid and "floating" non-bonded bushing and a weaker mounting saddle.

See the photos below. Non PP left, PP right.

Honestly, I see people posting quite a bit of misinformation from phone calls they have made to companies that you would think know better.

I am here to tell you, that person on the phone hasnt touched a fraction of the S550s I have. ;)

Thanks for posting this Kelly! Pictures are always worth way more. I still stand by the fact that the difference between the PP and non-PP front bar setup isn't worth the effort if you're planning on upgrading to aftermarket bars later. It's certainly a better setup over the non-PP, but a set of your or Steeda's bars with your respective mounting brackets is a much bigger and more worthwhile change to go through with it. If you've already got the car apart and are doing springs, for instance, maybe.

 

[emba129]

Thanks Kelly, Pics are great. The Ford Performance guy told me that the PP Front bar, even though is has the same OD as the standard bar, its made of "thicker" tubular material. Could have some merit. The standard part FR3Z-5482-A is $38. The PP part FR3Z-5482-B is $61. There has to me some difference in the bar itself, besides the bushings. The only way to really tell is to see a drawing or take a cross-section of each and mic the thickness (now we're getting crazy here!!)

Either way, if I were going to do the front, I would go aftermarket with a Steeda or equivalent and make a noticeable leap since it looks like a more involved mod.

 

[emba129]

Swapped the rear standard sway bar out with the Performance Package one. The PP one is slightly larger in diameter and heavier than the standard one. Now its onto the front strut tower brace, K brace, and extension panel.

Sponsored