Rear sway bar

[wpaul6]

Hi guys,

I have an '80 Spider 2000 with a '77 rear end and pan hard rod. Been thinking about installing a rear sway bar but don't know if the older differential complicates it. Any advice on what to buy and installation recommendations is appreciated. Thanks.
Walt

[RRoller123]

I like this question, and if I may, can I add on another? Can the masses also comment on the performance improvement gained by adding a rear sway bar? In real world terms?

[So Cal Mark]

use the bar for the earlier model car. Adding a rear bar will make the handling more neutral

[spidernut]

My son had one on his 77 Spider. I removed it and cannot tell any difference in handling. To be fair, it was ooooooooold.

[Turbofiat124]

Hi guys,

I have an '80 Spider 2000 with a '77 rear end and pan hard rod. Been thinking about installing a rear sway bar but don't know if the older differential complicates it. Any advice on what to buy and installation recommendations is appreciated. Thanks.
Walt

I've got a 1980 Spider with a '70 4.1:1 final drive and drive shaft. Initially I mounted an Addco rear swaybar to the original axle but when it blew I had this one from a 70 model laying around and used it. The rear sway bar fit the 70 axle with no problems.

I personally think it made a difference. I've add rear sway bars to my 68 Ford Fairlane, 87 Yugo and 98 Chevy van. Big difference on my van. it's a conversion van with only a 1/2 ton chassis so it had really bad body roll before installing the bar,

I would avoid the 1" front bars especially with polyurethane bushings. it made mine ride very harsh and felt like it was twisting the front end. I was afraid it was going to break the already vulnerable cross member studs.

[azruss]

I installed one of Mark's Addco sway bars. Left the front end stock. Running 195x55/15s. It took all the push out of the car (a very good thing). If I have any complaint, the inside rear tire lifts in a hard corner. A limited slip diffy would be a good thing to have. I haven't had the opportunity to put the car in a full drift to see if that inside tire settles down.

[wpaul6]

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like the bar from a '77 vintage will do the trick.