Panhard bar/ suspension set up

[tuske427]

I just lowered the suspension on my 1984 trans Am with a one inch spring drop and have replaced the following parts:

springs (eibach)
struts/ shocks (kyb)
PST front end rebuild kit
lower control arms

goals- high performance street.

Now, after some reading, I have been informed that the stock panhard bar will push the rear axle out of alignment with the front suspension.
to solve this, get an adjustable panhard bar.

Ok, does anyone have any reccomendations for initially setting the panhard bar up? I would imagine making it slightly shorter than the stock bar to compensate for the one inch drop. I am just not sure if there is any mathmatical formuals, or if anyone knows of any "standardized" settings for somethign like this. (for every inchsuspension drop you shorten the panhard bar "X" inches)

I also understand I'll need an adjustable torque arm to reset the pinion angle on the drive shaft. any reccomendations on proper pinion angle.

or am I being too anal over a one inch drop.

I have not yet had the front end aligned. Should I just have them set up a "4 wheel alignment" with the adjustable panhard bar?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[curtis73]

Originally Posted by tuske427

I also understand I'll need an adjustable torque arm to reset the pinion angle on the drive shaft. any reccomendations on proper pinion angle.

Just make sure its equal and opposite. If the angle between the output shaft and driveshaft is -3*, just make sure the angle between the driveshaft and pinion is +3*.

or am I being too anal over a one inch drop.

As long as I've known you, you've been anal, but that's why I like it when you work on my cars I would say that your pinion angle should be measured before worrying about it. If its fine then you have plenty of time to drive and enjoy. If its off by more than .5 degrees (maybe more since you have the aluminum shaft) you'll start to notice humming and vibes at speed.

I have not yet had the front end aligned. Should I just have them set up a "4 wheel alignment" with the adjustable panhard bar?

I think we can set the rear axle with some string or a long straightedge. The panhard rod may be pushing the axle toward the driver's side, but it wouldn't change the thrust angle. I know some of us ImpalaSS guys have axle shift issues. Mine in particular is off by quite a bit. If we want to go to 315/35 tires on 10" wheels, some of us run up to a 1/4" spacer on one side so we can keep the right fit without rubbing. I know that it doesn't alter our thrust angles.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I think it won't matter a hill of beans. There is nothing about the rear that you can change as far as thrust angle, so a four-wheel alignment will only use the rears as a reference for toe. The caster and camber wouldn't be any differnt even if you had no axle on the back, so I say set the alignment and be done with it. Drive it and save the panhard bar project for a couple weeks.

[tuske427]

you got it, Curtis!

Just let me know what brand of beer you want and I'll stock the old frigidaire

[curtis73]

mmmm... beer. *drool* Corona suits me fine.