Jeff, I have the SLP PP bilstein suspension on my Hawk('99) and was wondering about the panhard bar. Is the one from P.P. the same from GM, but with better bushings? Would an upgrade (ie: BMR, spohn, etc...) change the way the suspension was meant to handle or is this a good mod that will improve/enhance the Bilstein suspension?
Thanks, Tom
Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :
Sorry, but I have no idea what PP sold - they were a sperate division and sold what they wanted.
Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :
quote:Originally posted by JeffY: Sorry, but I have no idea what PP sold - they were a sperate division and sold what they wanted.
if I'm not mistaken, PP sells the "old OE" 32/19 bilstein setup.
Posted by Hawk196 (Member # 2175) on :
quote:Originally posted by chrisL:
quote:Originally posted by JeffY: Sorry, but I have no idea what PP sold - they were a sperate division and sold what they wanted.
if I'm not mistaken, PP sells the "old OE" 32/19 bilstein setup.
Thats what it is, I believe, I sold the 32mm front sway bar(came with the Firehawk) and upgraded to a 21mm rear sway bar.
I might do a winter project and change the panhard bar. I just don't want it to have a negative impact on the 'matched' suspension.
Thanks, Tom
Posted by Bill Mason (Member # 1807) on :
As I recall, PP sold a panhard bar that was a boxed stock panhard bar. I do not know what bushings they used.
If you do decide to replace it I would suggest that you go with an adjustable one that can be adjusted without having to remove one of the ends.
I have the RK Sport solid aluminum bar with spherical ends. It has been on the car for almost 6 years (167,000 kms) with no problems at all.
Benefits of the aftermarket panhard bars are the increased lateral stiffness and adjutablity. This bar is all that holds the back of the car from moving sidewasys in a corner. The adjustability allows tha rear axle to be re-centered if the car is lowered (or raised), thereby maintaining the thrust line down the center of the car.
BTW, the size of the anti-roll bars you use is directly related to the spring rates front and back and to a slightly lesser extent the snock absorbers used.
As a general rule....the higher the spring rate, the smaller the anti-roll bar. By varying from stock the TOTAL roll stiffness front to rear will determine the handling characteristics of over/under steer.
