F-body tall spindle setup

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by meteo7880, Aug 1, 2017.

  1. meteo7880

    meteo7880 Getting expensive...

    Hi Folks!
    So I scored a good deal on a complete F-body tall spindle conversion kit and I'm looking for some input. I've got the Hotchkis upper control arms meant for the conversion, correct tie rods, ball joints, etc. So that's all well and good.
    Now, after some reading, due to the better geometry, I read that for the front sway bar maybe 1.25" is too big? It looks like 1.125 is the hot ticket?
    Any input on this? Thanks everyone!
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    No, it isn't too big. The original kit was marketed way back when by HO Enterprises. They used a 1 3/8" front bar. You can actually get away with a smaller rear bar, or no rear bar, as the front sticks down so well that too big a rear bar can induce power on oversteer.
     
  3. meteo7880

    meteo7880 Getting expensive...

    Thanks for the response, Larry! I'm gonna give the 1.25" bar a shot. I have a small bar on the back that I got free like 15 years ago, maybe 7/8" I think.
     
  4. tburgeson

    tburgeson Roadmaster

    I did this exact update on my '64 Skylark several years ago and love it. The Hotchkiss control arms gave me 4 deg caster with minimum shimming and the 1 1//4" sway bar seems just right. Mine was from a Pontiac Trans Am. I think I have a 1" bar in back. The only difference with my car is that I scored some B body cop car spindles with the 12" brakes. One suggestion I would make: If you haven't done it already, find a 12.7 ratio steering box. Makes all the difference in the world. A cheap source for this is a '92 to '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Same exact box ( Z cast on top), at a fraction of the price. Good luck.
     
  5. meteo7880

    meteo7880 Getting expensive...

    Thanks for the input! I ended up getting the Hotchkis upper arms for less than half price, and was given the F-body spindles, calipers, rotors, backing plates for free. Just paid shipping. I'd rather have the 12" setup but im going to see how the 11"s work first.

    I have the stock steering box, but I like the idea of the quick ratio. I'll look into it. Thanks!
     

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