Gunny,
I find it hard to believe that the problem you describe could be caused by
the absence (or presence) of the Panhard rod. It sounds like something more
serious - like something loose for example. Check out the front end;
specifically upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings,
cross member bolts (check that the welds in the frame horns aren't cracked -
I bet at least one or two are). in the back, check the front leaf spring
mounts. They are very likely to need reinforcing, especially if weld-on
traction bars and stiff springs were installed at any time. If you have
weld-on traction bars - take them off and see if the problem goes away. It
is possible there is some weakness in the body due to internal corrosion and
it is flexing under the strain, thus transferring roll stiffness back to the
front. Check to see that the shocks aren't set too stiff. Shocks are just
supposed to fully dampen the spring action, not provide stiffness. The
suspension might be responding too slowly because the shocks are set too
stiff relative to the springs. Jounce the car up at each corner and down and
see if it seems to respond correctly. Probably what is wrong isn't even on
this laundry list. I've listed the possibilities that come quickly to mind.
Good luck,
Bob
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