Re[2]: Sway Bars (Front)

[Toby Erkson <Toby_Erkson@ccm.jf.intel.com>]

Yeah, the front one is called a sway bar (they called it a "stabilizer 
bar") but, like most stock applications, it just doesn't perform to higher 
standards.  Also, the stock sway bar is suspended between the arms and not 
connected to the body like the rest of the world.  I believe it's the body 
connection that helps to keep the body from rolling.  It looks like the 
stabilizer bar helps keep the opposite tire on the ground during a fast 
turn and doesn't do anything for the body.  Hmmm, maybe the torsion housing 
VWs with anti-sway bars (meaning: in addition to the stabilizer bar) are 
safer for spirited road handling than other cars of their time...

The late model T3 don't have a stock sway bar or stabilizer bar in the rear 
at all.
     Toby Erkson
     air_cooled_nut@pobox.com
     '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L
     '75 Porsche 914 1.8L for sale
     Portland, Oregon
     http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8501/

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Sway Bars (Front)
Author:  type-3-errors@umich.edu at SMTPGATE
Date:    8/27/97 9:02 PM

John,
     Your T3 already has front and rear sway bars!  No need for after market
$$ etc, THAT is why you glad you bought a T3.
     In front, the upper axle beam holds a shaft that connects the two upper
arms (would this be an official "sway bar"?).  In the back,  only
squarebacks from '66 on (?) there is an extra torsion bar/spring that
looks like a "Z" (not really a sway bar, but takes the extra load off).

Anyone with more technical understanding of this?

Peter Parker
'66 Square; Phillip
Portland, OR