Sway Bar End Links

[SimsBJ8]

While replacing the sway bar end link bushings on my ’67 BJ8, I found a setup that I cannot find any reference to. It has a 7/8 sway bar with end links that have compression springs that appear to be adjustable; see below picture.

Has anyone seen this setup before? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

I would think the spring end links would cushion the stiff 7/8 sway bar during casual driving and during hard turns would fully compress and allow the stiff sway bar to take over, maybe a little more roll going into a turn, but less of a roll throughout a turn. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Bob

 

[Keoke]

Re: Sway Bar - End Links, information

Nope !
Not me???

 

[John Turney]

Re: Sway Bar - End Links, information

I can't think of a reason to do that unless they thought the 7/8" bar was too stiff. I have a 7/8" bar and I have regular end links (sort of). The stock end links aren't really strong enough for a 7/8" bar.

 

[steveg]

Re: Sway Bar - End Links, information

Two-stage sway bar, eh?

The lower coil springs look pretty wimpy. On a turn, the sway bar would compress them as far as they would go. Are they trying to make a 7/8" bar less able to resist a turn - like a stock bar?

 

[bdcvg]

Looks homemade to Me

 

[BoyRacer]

It's ridiculous. The springs render it useless for its intended purpose.

 

[healeyblue]

It's ridiculous. The springs render it useless for its intended purpose.

I agree

 

[Madflyer]

I agree also it lost any point of being. When I would go to SCCA races hard turns would lift inside wheel, less rubber on the road. Madflyer

 

[BigGreen]

And an other one

1967 Austin Healey 3000 1967 AUSTIN HEALEY 300 MK3 BJ-8. 4-SPEED OVERDRIVE | eBay

Offered for sale, from KURT TANNER MOTORCARS, is this final year production 3000 MK 3 BJ8 Sports Convertible, the best and last of the bunch. This car was just purchased from Massachusetts from an older gentleman that held onto the car and wanted to restore it. It's an almost complete and fully...

www.ebay.com

 

[Bob_Spidell]

That's no way to treat a front crossmember (rubber pad or not). Gauges look to be in good shape. Is that an original Healey color?

 

[John Turney]

Looks like they used a long bolt instead of the standard link. Because mine is lowered and has a 7/8” bar, I also used long bolts, but with a length of 1/8” steel pipe between the ends to achieve the proper spacing.

 

[Don Riicardo]

This is a NON STANDARD item, most likely a home made part(maybe a forgotten temporary fix) on checking all parts manuals it is nothing like what it shuld be. Check the following :- 'https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/shop-by-model/austin-healy/100/3000/steering-suspension'
This is full parts diagram for the full AH vehicle range.
Hope this is of some help.

 

[Hangtown Healey]

Addco used to sell them. I put them on in the 70's when I was autocrossing regularly, but I went back to solid links.

 

[SimsBJ8]

Hangtown Healey. Thanks for the response.
What were the advantages and disadvantages?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Hangtown Healey]

It was a long time ago. I think I didn't really notice a change in the straight ahead ride quality. My attempt at moving the steering box up and down was more successful on bump steer as I recall.

 

[SimsBJ8]

Thanks.