Quote Originally Posted by jeremiahkellam
2nd question - In my best attempt to measure the angles of the existing sway bar, I found that there is 3 degrees of deviation at the ends of the bar. In other words, when the passenger side bar end is parallel to the ground, the drivers side is lower (we're talking maybe 2-3 mm). Is this normal and can it be countered by properly preloading the bar?? Or do I need a new bar??
First of all 2-3 mm is negligible considering ALL the components in our cars are compromises to make the series affordable (no F1 stuff here). Wirtz addressed the preload issue (use shims to make up the difference but be sure that this is measured with the drivers weight in the seat) and as far as linear vs. progressive, linear would be correct answer (think about it like a torsion bar type suspension). Also, in the equation, the assumption is made that the bar is solid (which is probably correct for the Ford bar... GM bar that I use is hollow) otherwise a wall thickness comes into the mix.