NvrFinished
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
So I've been in the process of updating my suspension with RideTech Level ll coilovers, Steeda front and rear sway bars with billet mounts, BMR rear LCA bushings, adjustable rear toe rod and camber arms, BMR cradle alignment, and etc... I have the complete list in this thread if interested: http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73448&highlight=suspension+nvh
The problem I am currently having is with swaybar preload - primarily on the front. I was having a heck of a time trying to level out the front of the car before I took it in for an alignment. The LF was sitting lower than the RF. When I finally got the front level and at the height I wanted, there was a full 1/2" difference in measured preload between the two fronts with the RF having the least amount.
My suspicions got the best of me at this point and I lifted the front up and disconnected the front sway bar. Low and behold, when I set the car back down and cycled the suspension, the right front was now sitting over 3/8" of an inch lower than the left.
I know this can be corrected with adjustable end links and they were on my future "parts to purchase" list anyways since I had heard that the stock links are susceptible to bending under aggressive driving. However, my concern is why am I getting swaybar preload to begin with? I searched the internet for the causes of swaybar preload and and the only thing I could find was how set up a car with preload or how to install adjustable end links to avoid it. No one really discusses why you get it.
My first thought was a bent sway bar, but from what I understand it is rare for a new bar. I was also concerned with how the bar rotates once clamped down without the links connected. Some are saying it should rotate freely, others are saying no. I was wondering if it was binding in some way to cause the preload. When clamped down it rotates smoothly, but it is very difficult to move. Lube isn't an issue as I used more than was necessary on the bushings and a lot squeezed out initially when torquing the clamps.
I contacted someone at Steeda who consulted with tech. Tech said a stiff bar is not uncommon and to adjust the height of the car without the bars hooked up, get it aligned that way, and then install the adjustable end links to avoid the preload. Apparently tech is saying that I need to get some miles on the bar to get it working smoothly.
Does this sound right? They gave me a deal on the adjustable end links which is great since I knew I was going to purchase them anyways, but I wanted to check if anyone else has some experience with this? Of all the threads I've read here, I haven't seen anyone discuss sway bar preload.
Any insight is appreciated
The problem I am currently having is with swaybar preload - primarily on the front. I was having a heck of a time trying to level out the front of the car before I took it in for an alignment. The LF was sitting lower than the RF. When I finally got the front level and at the height I wanted, there was a full 1/2" difference in measured preload between the two fronts with the RF having the least amount.
My suspicions got the best of me at this point and I lifted the front up and disconnected the front sway bar. Low and behold, when I set the car back down and cycled the suspension, the right front was now sitting over 3/8" of an inch lower than the left.
I know this can be corrected with adjustable end links and they were on my future "parts to purchase" list anyways since I had heard that the stock links are susceptible to bending under aggressive driving. However, my concern is why am I getting swaybar preload to begin with? I searched the internet for the causes of swaybar preload and and the only thing I could find was how set up a car with preload or how to install adjustable end links to avoid it. No one really discusses why you get it.
My first thought was a bent sway bar, but from what I understand it is rare for a new bar. I was also concerned with how the bar rotates once clamped down without the links connected. Some are saying it should rotate freely, others are saying no. I was wondering if it was binding in some way to cause the preload. When clamped down it rotates smoothly, but it is very difficult to move. Lube isn't an issue as I used more than was necessary on the bushings and a lot squeezed out initially when torquing the clamps.
I contacted someone at Steeda who consulted with tech. Tech said a stiff bar is not uncommon and to adjust the height of the car without the bars hooked up, get it aligned that way, and then install the adjustable end links to avoid the preload. Apparently tech is saying that I need to get some miles on the bar to get it working smoothly.
Does this sound right? They gave me a deal on the adjustable end links which is great since I knew I was going to purchase them anyways, but I wanted to check if anyone else has some experience with this? Of all the threads I've read here, I haven't seen anyone discuss sway bar preload.
Any insight is appreciated
Sponsored
