When is an adjustable panhard rod required?

[Guardsman]

Is there a rule of thumb, or set drop amount, etc., that shows when an adjustable Panhard Rod is needed?
I saw the earlier post about needing one for wider than stock tires (how much wider, as Z28s have wider tires than V6s, and SSs are wider than Z28s, and all use the same Panhard rod)?

[FirebirdGT]

If you use 315's on the rear and/or after you lower your car and the rear axle looks to one side. Other than that I think they are a waste of money.

[black98V6]

why would the width of the tire make a difference??? the only thing that would make a difference is if you lower your car and want to recenter the rear end.. of course as has been mentioned before your rear end is constantly moving up and down and thus the axle is moving side to side.. thats the way our suspension works.. I can see where going to a bar that flexes less might help some with helping put power to the ground on launches..

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by black98V6:
why would the width of the tire make a difference??? the only thing that would make a difference is if you lower your car and want to recenter the rear end.. of course as has been mentioned before your rear end is constantly moving up and down and thus the axle is moving side to side.. thats the way our suspension works.. I can see where going to a bar that flexes less might help some with helping put power to the ground on launches..<hr></blockquote>

Because 315's leave VERY little clearance.

Also no PHR flexes, not even the stock one. And don't say it's weak, because it isn't. It's all has to do with the bushings. Get the 1LE.

Aftermarket adjustable PHR are worthless, unless you really have a static centering problem.

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

Try to stretch and compress the PHR and then say it's weak.

Robert, so if the bushings are critical what about poly/poly or poly/rod or even rod/rod ends?

Secondly, can the PHR increase traction? How?

[UCF3800]

This may sound stupid, but whats the 1LE? Remember Im a rookie.

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

GM brand for road racing. It's an option on a Z28 if you buy one new. Shocks, springs, lower control arms, panhard rod, front arms, sway bars, transmission mount....

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dom:
Robert, so if the bushings are critical what about poly/poly or poly/rod or even rod/rod ends? <hr></blockquote>

Poly/poly is what you get with ES bushings, which I recommended. A rod end typically uses a tubular main part with welds. I have issues with welded suspension parts that are not OEM, or OEM approved suppliers. On a track fine, but not the street.

I do agree that the ultimate is rod ended PHR and LCA.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by UCF3800:
This may sound stupid, but whats the 1LE? Remember Im a rookie.<hr></blockquote>

There is a section in the Technical Database on the history and parts.

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

It would be kinda hard to get those poly bushings into the stock piece. Is there aa easy method?

There are also chrome moly versions, which are stronger. Do these also have weak welds?

So it's not bad that they are tubular, it's just that they have weak welds, right?

[ March 20, 2002: Message edited by: Dom ]</p>

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dom:
It would be kinda hard to get those poly bushings into the stock piece. Is there aa easy method? <hr></blockquote>

The 1LE. ;)

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>There are also chrome moly versions, which are stronger. Do these also have weak welds?

So it's not bad that they are tubular, it's just that they have weak welds, right?<hr></blockquote>

Tubular and poly - very bad, tubular and rod ends - awesome.

Weak welds - that is indeterminate. I have no faith in aftermarket welds. None of these companies will respond to my questions regarding their Quality Control of welds, and being in the auto industry I know that these companies do not meet OEM supplier requirements.

[ March 20, 2002: Message edited by: FirebirdGT ]</p>

[black98V6]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by FirebirdGT:


Because 315's leave VERY little clearance.

Also no PHR flexes, not even the stock one. And don't say it's weak, because it isn't. It's all has to do with the bushings. Get the 1LE.

Aftermarket adjustable PHR are worthless, unless you really have a static centering problem.<hr></blockquote>

so by having the bigger tires you need the adjustable panard to get the rear end perfectly centered?? is that the purpose?? to equally distribute what little clearance you have??

static centering problem??

[ March 20, 2002: Message edited by: black98V6 ]</p>

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by black98V6:
so by having the bigger tires you need the adjustable panard to get the rear end perfectly centered?? is that the purpose?? to equally distribute what little clearance you have??<hr></blockquote>

Yes

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

One last one. Poly/Rod or Rod on both ends?

I'm probably getting poly/rod control arms. The double rod ones are all very loud and have bad quality ends. Did alot of asking around.

[Guardsman]

Thanks.