Sway bar

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jereklein
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun May 28, 2017 8:32 pm

Sway bar

Post by jereklein »

I am thinking about replacing the original front sway bar with a heavier duty. Will just doing that make a significant difference in the feel?
ICON 1956
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Re: Sway bar

Post by ICON 1956 »

I would only say that adding a thicker swag bar can help cornering around the turns. I don't think it would help in a better smoother ride just stabilize the car in turning.......
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
jereklein
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun May 28, 2017 8:32 pm

Re: Sway bar

Post by jereklein »

Thanks.
55blacktie
Posts: 1089
Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2020 2:43 pm

Re: Sway bar

Post by 55blacktie »

A larger front bar will probably increase understeer. I would either just retain the original front, or install front and rear bars that are designed to work together, like the Hotchkis tubular bars that are available from Larry's Thunderbird and Mustang Parts, located in Corona, CA.I bought the set for my 55. I installed the rear, but have yet to install the front. My car is undergoing restoration and not yet roadworthy.
55blacktie
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Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2020 2:43 pm

Re: Sway bar

Post by 55blacktie »

If you are looking for a better ride, focus on your shock-and-spring combination.
jereklein
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun May 28, 2017 8:32 pm

Re: Sway bar

Post by jereklein »

Good info. I appreciate your thoughts and info. Thanks.
klogsdonjr
Posts: 377
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2020 8:14 am

Re: Sway bar

Post by klogsdonjr »

I replaced rear shocks and added heavier front sway bar at the same time. It did feel like I had more control on turns (sway bar) and smoother ride (shocks).
Ken
'56 Thunderbird 312 black/tuxedo
(originally sold in Louisville, KY)
55blacktie
Posts: 1089
Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2020 2:43 pm

Re: Sway bar

Post by 55blacktie »

1955-57 T-birds are not the most comfortable cars (as you know). However, after riding a motorcycle for hundreds of miles, climbing into a T-bird can be a real pleasure, especially on a cold, wet day.
ICON 1956
Posts: 2545
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 9:11 am
Location: USA
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Re: Sway bar

Post by ICON 1956 »

I totally agree with 55blacktie, Having been riding my Harley across Canada and the out West. Which I have experience in riding in cold and wet trips. I'll take the Baby Bird hands down.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
jerrygrov
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2020 6:26 pm

Re: Sway bar

Post by jerrygrov »

I upgraded both swap bars on my 56 Tbird. That has been the best money I have spent on my car.
Highly recommended.
55blacktie
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Joined: Sat Sep 05, 2020 2:43 pm

Re: Sway bar

Post by 55blacktie »

Which bars did you use?
MarkR
Posts: 727
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:30 pm
Location: Vegas, Anchorage

Re: Sway bar

Post by MarkR »

While we are on suspensions, 15 years ago I put air shocks on our 55 during a frame off. The existing shocks were worn out and I had these brand new on hand. They have performed very well but a little stiff. Has anyone switched from air shocks to standard and was the ride smoother? I don’t remember that far back.
Also I have manual steering. I was able to cancel my gym membership. Huge savings.
Mark
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