Do the larger aftermarket sways present the same problems or are they bent differently to avoid the contact issue?
I put a 1 3/8 Hotchkis bar on my el camino and had to get longer sway bar end links in order to clear the tie rod sleeves. I went from the stock length to 4.25 inches
I seem to recall that the '73 455 SD Firebird had a 1-5/8" front stabilizer. Probably pretty rare, now. The 1-1/4" bar from a Monte Carlo SS454 fit my old '64 Malibu SS just fine. That thing would corner, let me tell ya. Rear bar was a '65 NASCAR piece I bought when I worked at the Chebby dealer back then.
1 5/8? Sure it wasn't an 1 5/16? If it wasn't hollow, it would weigh a lot. You're talking header tube size at 1 5/8.
I think you are right, although pst does show a 1-3/8" front bar. My recaller seems to be getting more faulty as I age.
Found this bar from the parts Place on E-bay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330495877679&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
You can get that bar from any 70-81 Trans Am models in the local yards for less than half the price....with shipping from PP you are over $105 and that doesn't include mounting kit and end link kit.
make sure you didnt put it on upside down (yes they will bolt on just fine) if its on upsidedown it will make contact with the frame and clunk hate to say it but i did it on mine had it laying on ground and mustve flipped it or something when i picked it up and yep it clunked when turning right i beleive my oe front bar was 7/8 and i put on a 15/16 from a 73 camaro didnt notice a difference but it was free and technically bigger
George, If I could buy the bar locally I would. Didn't think the price was that bad considering that the 2 hour drive plus gas and tolls would add to the cost of picking up your used bar for $50. I also had a deal going to get the brackets and poly bushing for free!
Email me direct and I will see what FedEx HomeDelivery charges...needs full name, address and home ph GStage1@BuickPerformance.com
George, Sent you an email! I'm going to need the brackets, bushings and such for the bar from you as they were only gonna be free if I bought the NEW bar.