What is the Diameter / Rate Difference between 1980 AHB/ police package and Stock Slant 6 Front end Bars?

[slant six]

Hello Sages,

I have access to a 1980 Volare Cop Car. I am interested in the difference in sway bar and Torsion bar Diameter between the 1980 Cop car (not sure if they were AHB's yet in 1980) as compared to the same parts - (front sway bar and front torsion bars) on a stock 1979 Volare Slant 6.

Additionally are the 1980 Cop Car Diameters/Rates any different from say a 1986-1989 AHB car's specs?


Thank you.

 

[Duke5A]

All F/M/J torsion bars are the same spring rate at about 140#. Only way to get higher rate bars is Firm Feel and their bars are 300#.

The A38/AHB cars did have thicker front sway bars and included a rear bar. They are 1 1/8" on the front and 3/4" on the back. Civi cars only had a 1 1/16" front bar.

 

[slant six]

Thanks!

That makes rate choices easy... Just call FFI.
There are a few more options when I play with my a bodies compared to these.

 

[slant six]

Thanks!

That makes rate choices easy... Just call FFI.
There are a few more options when I play with my a bodies compared to these.

I might grab that front sway bar off the car then, if it is not too rusted away.

Thank you!

 

[Duke5A]

Thanks!

That makes rate choices easy... Just call FFI.
There are a few more options when I play with my a bodies compared to these.

Be prepared for sticker shock if they have them in stock. I'm running a set, but I bought mine more than a decade ago. Absolutely blew me away in the difference in handling.

I might grab that front sway bar off the car then, if it is not too rusted away.

Thank you!

Grab the rear too, and don't be afraid of rust. Spring steel seems to be able to survive the rust belt. I pulled a pair of sway bars off of a rusty ass F250 for my F150 project and they cleaned up like new with a wire wheel. The matching front and rear set make a world of difference. Replacement hardware can be found and FF can coble a kit together to convert your axle to a solid mount shock setup (B body) with sway bar end link mounting tabs.


What's your plans for the car and what is your budget? Just about everything within reason that can be thrown at an F/M/J stock suspension setup I've done.

 

[slant six]

Just thinking of some future upgrades for my ~241,000 Mile '79 Volare/Duster. It's mostly a cruiser / daily commuter but since building my skookum AutoX Track Day '64 Dart I like to upgrade where possible.

I know FFI stuff is expensive, but I appreciate the quality. It seems they currently have only the passenger Bar available. I will have to call and see what they have / can get / can make.

I already have a rear sway bar on my car from some AHB'er from ~20 years ago.

I have done a lot of small upgrades on it since taking ownership of the car 29 years ago.
I will not be Tracking it or AutoX etc, but I like the additional wheel rate. I also installed viking double adjustables in the front this June.

 

[Duke5A]

I'm running those same shocks on my car. They compliment the FF bars very well. Handles and rides like a modern car. Keep us posted on your build. Sounds like fun!