[Shotimes] Intrax lowering springs - shortening the sway links?

[cmichaelo@optonline.net]

I don't understand why the swaybar links would have to be shortened when lowering the car. On the contrary, the links should be exteneded in lenght.

Here's how I look at it:

When lowering the car by using lowering springs, the upper mount point of the swaybar links remain the same, i.e., it is NOT lowered, and is at the same distance from ground.

The same is true for the mount point where the swaybar and the links connect.

The mount point that is lowered is that of the swaybar itself since it is attached to the frame of the car. Thus, this mount point is now closer to ground.

Therefore, shouldn't the links be INCREASED in length to get back to the proper static position?

Michael
94MTX,green,BOS+,Koni/Intrax,Baer,Corbeau
SHO items for sale: http://hometown.aol.com/cmichaelo/for_sale.html

----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Bruce <rbruce@bellatlantic.net>
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2004 7:47 am
Subject: RE: [Shotimes] Intrax lowering springs -  shortening the sway  links?

> Actually, Bruce is technically correct that the length of the 
> links should
> be shortened to bring the swaybar back too it's proper "static" 
> location.Ideally, if you were to draw an imaginary line 
> intersecting the bars pivot
> point (mount bushings) and the end of the bar (link connection), 
> this line
> should be level with the ground.  Realistically, the SHO bar (rear bar
> especially) is so poorly designed that worrying about the link 
> length is of
> no real value.  On the other hand, installing an adjustable link 
> to remove
> the natural preload that is inherent in the SHO bar and it's poor 
> mountingdesign would be very beneficial.
> 
> Bruce, Don't waste your time making custom length links for the 
> sake of
> getting the bar back to level.  Your gains would be too small to ever
> notice.  Do spend your effort making adjustable links, that is a 
> huge yet
> overlooked gain for the SHO.  In fact you could measure the gain 
> you would
> achieve with these links without even making any parts.  All you 
> need is the
> scales.  Simply weigh your car as it currently sits.  Then 
> disconnect both
> swaybars and scale the car again.  Compare each individual corner 
> weight and
> you will see noticeable weight shifts.  These changes are the same 
> as if you
> had removed the swaybar preload using adjustable links.  You will 
> likely be
> surprised at the change.  I did this on my 93 and noticed a 50 lbs 
> cornerweight shift across the rear alone.
> 
> Robert Bruce
> 93 atx w/ adjustable swaybar links
> 92
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
> [shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of George Fourchy
> Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 2:13 AM
> To: shotimes@autox.team.net
> Subject: RE: [Shotimes] intrax lowering springs - shorteniing the sway
> links?
> 
> 
> On Wed, 3 Nov 2004 20:22:00 -0600, Dave Kegel wrote:
> 
> >What would be the advantage of using shorter links?
> 
> I agree....as long as the links are the same length on both sides, 
> a bit of
> upward
> or downward "neutral" positioning (from stock) on the sway bar 
> would be
> meaningless.
> 
> George
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