ModernMuscleCars.net - Modern Muscle Cars Archive

Pages: 1

Versions of A-body sway bars
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: tml1138

Hello, this is my first post and I've done some searching on the topic here but found nothing so here goes:

I have a 71 Valiant Scamp I'm redoing the suspension on. As part of this project, I'm upgrading to disc brakes from a 75 Dart. What options do I have for a front sway bar? I've been told you need to swap spindles to mount the calipers towards the rear. Is this absolutely the only way? I've heard that it's not the intended design so is not a good idea, plus brake hose routing will be a problem.

My thoughts were that I could keep the calipers up front and use a 73-76 a-body sway bar. Will they work on the 67-72 years like my Valiant, or do I have to use a sway bar specifically designed for those years? Basically, what are the differences (if any) between the earlier and later model year sway bars? What about the K-members?

Thanks!

-Troy

Posted by: MadScientistMatt

Swapping the spindles side to side is easy. They're a two piece design, and it's only the upper half that's switched. It doesn't change your suspension geometry at all, just moves the bracket and caliper to the rear. My Dart has the spindles on backwards and I have experienced no problems with this setup whatsoever. It also has huge brakes from a Chrysler Newport adapted to '73-'76 A-body spindles. The hoses aren't a big issue either - just use ones meant for an Aspen or Volare, and remove the little bracket thing that comes on the hose.

The later sway bar runs through the K-member. You cannot use a '73-'76 sway bar without the '73-'76 K-member. Well, I suppose you could adapt it if you were really determined. But there's no danger in switching spindles side to side.

Posted by: tml1138

JUST the spindles, right? The UCAs and LCAs stay where they are, correct? (I'd think they'd have to, wouldn't fit otherwise!)

Aspen/Volare brake hoses will fit correctly to the Dart calipers? I already bought hoses for the Dart application (not able to be returned). Oh well, I'm only out $20 for the pair of those.

That's what I thought about the sway bar too, but wasn't sure. I've heard it's also shorter in length, but nothing concrete there either.

Well I suppose I'm going to get an aftermarket sway bar from PST or Addco. The tabs that will need to be welded on to the LCAs, do they usually come in the kit, and with instructions on where to weld them?

Thanks for the quick reply!

-Troy

Posted by: MadScientistMatt

Correct, the control arms are not interchangable from side to side. Once you get the spindles apart, you'll see what I mean about the way they can be swapped - the only real difference between the left and right spindle is the location of the caliper mounting bolts. The portion of the spindle that connects to the tie rod is part of the ball joint assembly and unbolts from the rest of the spindle.

The Aspen and Volare used the same discs and calipers as the A-bodies. You can see if the Dart hoses can work with the backwards spindle setup; they may work but be sure to check it throughout the range of steering.

I have an Addco sway bar on my '66 Dart. The tabs actually aren't welded to the lower control arms but instead bolt on where the shock absorbers attach. This setup seems to work pretty well and makes it close to a bolt on except for a few holes you have to drill. If there is one thing to complain about with the Addco design, it's that hey use a rather awkward bracket design for mounting the sway bar to the K-member. I intend to fab my own set to make a more rigid mounting and improve the ground clearance, but it's acceptable as it is out of the box.

Back to the Forums