[WillS]

I have replaced my subframe/suspension with a fatman fabrication setup that has drasticly increased the handling for the front. My problem is the rear now wants to break loose all the time. I have a 67 with mono leaf and "slaper" traction bars. The tires are 235/60R/15's.

What can I do to increse the rear tracion capabilities. I am open to simple to exotic ideas. But I would like to start with simple first.

[davidpozzi]

You probably need more front sway bar. what size do you have now?
You need to carry more of the cornering load on the front by using a stiffer front bar. Stiffening the rear bar would add more oversteer.

The slapper bars can bind up the suspension and make a huge sway bar out of your rear axle.
David

[ 09-25-2003, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: davidpozzi ]

[WillS]

The front sway-bar is apx. 7/8 to 1-inch diameter with poly bushings all around. If I add a larger sway-bar and wider rear tire what else would you recomend increse traction (not acceleration but more g-on skid pan).

[davidpozzi]

Get the final size of tires and wheels you want, then start tuning the suspension to that tire and wheel combo.
It usually winds up working on the front, then working on the rear, - going back and forth trying things.

You have two basic choices to fix the "bad" end of the car. Increase traction there, or shift more of the cornering load on the other end. You do that with sway bar diameters, or can stiffen the sway bar bushings or end links to harder material.

Spring rates should be chosen to control front end lift/dive or rear squat/rise, and keep them within limits.

Your front roll stiffness should be in the 60% to 70% range. It takes a lot of work to calculate the balance and a lot of measurements, then tires and weight balance front to rear make a difference, also suspension geometry.

It's too bad they don't sell the parts to balance the handling with that subframe.

I'd get some good rear springs like the Hotchkis or Gloabal West springs and add a larger sway bar.
Those slapper bars are not good for handling and properly built leaf springs will do a better job all around.

How long are the arms on your bar? measure from main bar, ninety degrees to the ends where the links to the A frame are, ( front to rear).
David