[glassman]

Originally Posted by anguilla1980

On my 1969 Firebird I have new Hotchkis everything plus CalTracs and a new Ford 9" based rear axle w/Caltracs perches. Literally, the only things I have left to upgrade suspension wise are adding the Hotchkis handle bars and sway bars. Yes, I know leafs SUCK for handling but I'm doing things in stages as years go on so it's just what I must work with right now. A 4-link and adjustable coil overs will be in my future, but that future is about 3 years off or more

On to my question. It's been suggested to me that adding a rear sway bar to a car with leaf springs can be dangerous, and that the twisting of the leafs already acts as a rear sway. This makes a little sense to me, especially with the CalTracs keeping leaf wrap under control which is reducing twist even more due to their mounting plates.

Is that the general consensus here as well? Will I have a dangerous oversteer problem by adding a rear sway? For that matter, will upgrading the stock front sway be too much and cause an understeer condition that's dangerous? I'm looking for a nice balance here of course, a very controllable slight oversteer is my personal preference.

Also, what about adding the Hotchkis upper rear shock brace? Now that I think of it, I don't have that either. Or will that also remove too much flex with the leaf springs?

Sorry, I know leaf springs must be a dirty word on here and this is the first car I've ever had with them so it's a learning experience for me.



EDIT: Upon more research, it looks like the fays2 watts link is the hot ticket to getting my leaf spring rear to handle better. Can that be used in conjuntion with a rear sway? If so, who makes on that will clear it for a 1st gen f-body?


EDIT 2: I've stumbled upon spherical bushings for leafs as well. Specifically the Hotchkis Swivel Max and conical type high articulation shackles, very sweet. Global West sells a similar kits and calls it Cat5 Bearing Kit. Question: With CalTracs, is it OK to use the Swivel Max on the front of the spring instead of the supplied solid aluminum bushing? Seems to me it would still mitgate wheel hop just as much while also providing the deseried increased articulation. Win- win, right?


Thanks!

I was much faster on my Leafs in my 2nd gen than I am now with my Detroit Spped rear, now the car is better than me.

IIRC, Gaetano on here, was or is running a 69 with leafs. I know he's active on IG

Ask him if you can