Preloading the front swaybar.

[sportfan]

Is anyone that has adjustable swaybar end links adjust them to preload the swaybar ? Before I got mine I was running the OEM end links on a lowered car which preloaded the swaybar about an inch. I think it handled a little better during hard driving. I am running an aftermarket 25mm swaybar. Am I dreaming ?

[BecauseAbarth]

I thought the whole point of the adjustable end links were so that the swaybar was not preloaded - I could be completely off basis though

[doverosx]

I thought the whole point of the adjustable end links were so that the swaybar was not preloaded - I could be completely off basis though

Yes. Sway bar preload is an indicator of friction and you don't want friction. If you want more spring force, get better springs.

[sportfan]

Both of you are more than likely right. When I installed the lowering springs months ago , the OEM links were preloading the swaybar. Nobody seems to warn you that you will need the adjustable links to avoid this. So when I got the adjustable links, I found that they were preloaded with the OEM ones. It may just be me but, I think it handled better during very aggressive driving , like Twisted Sisters, than without any preload. I have Neu-f springs and Yellow Konis. Thanks.

[BecauseAbarth]

I think if you were circle track racing - preloading one side to make better turns one way would be correct - but in a street car we turn both ways so preloading both would not be as helpful as you wouldnt be getting the full benefit of the sway bar - If i remember correctly you have a DNA adjustable sway bar??? Im pretty sure you were the sort keeping up with the big dogs on the twisted sisters. - if you have the adjustable sway bar - i would assume adjusting it from the sway bar would be best and keeping the endlinks neutral

[Scallootch]

When I was a Formula BMW mechanic it was SOP to ensure that anti-roll bars had zero preload after adjusting ride heights. Basically, you may end up adjusting coilovers to slightly different heights in the interest of cornerweighting. As such, you need adjustable ARB droplinks to compensate.

Happy motoring.

[doverosx]

Both of you are more than likely right. When I installed the lowering springs months ago , the OEM links were preloading the swaybar. Nobody seems to warn you that you will need the adjustable links to avoid this. So when I got the adjustable links, I found that they were preloaded with the OEM ones. It may just be me but, I think it handled better during very aggressive driving , like Twisted Sisters, than without any preload. I have Neu-f springs and Yellow Konis. Thanks.

That's only true when the surface is smooth. On uneven and unsmooth pavement (99% of roads), you will not be producing more grip. The better gripping suspension will not FEEL "better", you will KNOW it is better.

[sportfan]

Because Abarth, I was the one at Twisted Sisters playing with the big kids. I can't wait until next time . I have a header with a hiflow cat and EC 's NA header tune. I'm running the adjustable N-uef sway bar. I've got to checkout how the bar is adjusted. I like your advice ( and all the others ). I'll leave the links neutral and stiffen up the bar if it isn't adjusted that way. Thanks.

[texanbrit]

I have the Neu-f front sway bar, on my Abarth, on it's loosest setting. I've had it on stiffer settings but backed it off chasing the feel I want. I think your car handles fantastically well and I thought about the bar for the Pop too. I'll be honest the Pop is a little tail happy when pushed hard, but it I've been happy driving a little slower with a smile on my face.

[Scallootch]

Paul, I find that the tail-happiness can be tuned out with MOAR THROTTLES!!!!

My alignment guy advised I reconnect the front bar after he zeroed my Pop's front toe, reduced the rear toe-in, and tried a brief test drive. Said the thing was extremely tail-happy with the ST rear bar.

Those Miata guys just don't understand!