Thread: my take on swaybars - flex vs handling

Been reading with interest all the threads relating to flex & swaybar disconnects etc. Not having ACE I have to figure out another way to increase flex without significantly compromising road handling as its my daily driver.

So, with a bit of time on my hands & a couple of low ramps I decided to have a play. Could have got better results with a higher ramp or a big termite mound like I've seen others use, but this is what I had.

pic 1 is the D2 cross-axled on the ramps until TC engaged (wheel lifting & spinning) with the swaybars connected.
Pic 2 shows the 9cm clearance on the rear axle before hitting the bump stop (high wheel)
Pic 3 shows the 7cm clearance on the front (high wheel)
Pic 4 shows the flex with the front swaybar disconnected
The pics showing the clearances with the swaybar disconnected didn't really work out, but the rear was still 9cm, the front was 3cm, so with a higher ramp I could have got more flex - and a flatter flex with the rear disconnected (I was going to try this but I ran out of time & it was a real pain to get at anyway)

I took it for a fast drive round a couple of roundabouts near home to test the handling with the front swaybar disconnected, and while there was more body roll as you would expect, it was much more minor than I expected, and the suspension flexed better over irregularities in the road and gutters than previously.

However, unless I can get it RTA engineered as being OK without swaybars I'm going to leave them on or get quick disconnects as I'm worried about the insurance implications of such a suspension modification.
Just my views, and relates only to my suspension setup,but I thought it was worth sharing.
Cheers,
Alex

Originally Posted by Alex 110

any idea how RTA/insurance viewed this? I'd hate to have insurance refused cos of a mod like this. btw I agree about the ride on uneven roads

No idea other than when getting a rego inspection done the local mechanic drew to my attention that the link had fallen off but didn't blink when I said that I had removed it because the bar was too stiff for my liking. Gone sir? It must have fallen off!