Date:         Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:51:21 -0500
Reply-To:     Ed McLean <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed McLean <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: rear anti-sway bar
Comments: To: Brian Nobleman <nobleman1962@YAHOO.COM>

The picture of the rear sway bar on aircooled.net appears to me to be the
same product at the same price as the Addco rear bar.  I have Addco bars on
the front (1") and rear (7/8") of my '86 Subaru powered full Westy and they
work great.  Handling with Koni shocks (Fronts at full soft, rears at one
notch back from full firm), and 215/65x16 Michelin Hydroedge tires (load
rating 98) is actually close to "crisp".  The ride is firm but very
comfortable.

When I installed my rear sway bar I used a shorter link so the rear end of
the bar doesn't hang down so low.  I also installed the brackets on the rear
trailing arms on top of the seam rather than below the seam.  Installation
is relatively easy although it requires drilling several holes.  I've had no
problems with the bars in the 4.5 years I have had them.

I am very, very satisfied with the handling with this setup.  The larger
sway bars contribute significantly to the whole package.

I wouldn't install the rear bar with the stock front bar.  This could lead
to some unpredictable oversteer conditions.  Install them as a front and
rear set.  Additional roll stiffness in both front and rear contribute to a
more balanced handling.  Front and rear Addco bars are available from
several vendors for under $200 each.

Ed



On Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:38:58 -0800, Brian T. <nobleman1962@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

>I was wondering if anyone has installed a rear anti-sway bar from
www.aircooled.net on their vanagon?
>
>If so, how well does it work?
>
>Thanks,
>Brian