Sway Bar Question Options

[Osnabruck914]

Well, the other day I noticed my '74 2.0 had something dangling underneath. Sure enough, those cheap nylon rear sway bar downlink bushings had failed again. I did not have any replacement bushings on hand, and with a car show coming up the next day, I just decided to remove the whole rear sway bar assembly until I could order and receive new bushings.

Driving without the rear sway bar, I was surprised to note that the car felt lighter and more responsive at the wheel. What's going on here? I thought having both bars was always a better option. Is it a psychological thing or is it real. Should I leave the rear bar off? I do not drive that aggressively nor do I autocross or rally.

I have read that it is not Kosher to drive with only a rear bar installed, but OK with just the front. Is that true?

Osnabruck914

[Superhawk996]

Here’s the thing, any discussion of bars vs no bars is entirely dependent on how the rest of the suspension is set up as well as driver preference.

What is good for the track or auto crossing is not necessarily the best compromise for street use.

Many vehicles of the era came without anti roll bars. Bars were often part of a sport package or heavy duty suspension upgrade as options.

Keep in mind that vehicles of the era were not subject to the same stability scrutiny as we have today. It would be virtually impossible to release a vehicle with the handling characteristics of the early 911 into today’s litigious environment.