Suspension experts, need answer. Just purchased
79 L-82. Auto trans. Front sway bar, 7/8". It has
posi-traction. Is this HD suspension ? Shocks are original Delco, car has 59K miles.
No rear sway bar. Would rear sway bar come with the gymkhana suspension only? Is it worth putting the RSB on, for handling ? Shocks still look new.

Well for what its worth my 78 has Gymkhana suspension and it has a rear sway bar,I would replace the shocks they might look good on the outside but worn out inside'and its the inside that counts.You didn't say ,what does the rear spring look like?if its worn out Replace it with a fibre glass spring Ron 78

Also check your rear spring. Gymkhana has a 7 leaf, non is 9 leaf. But the no rear sway bar should clinch it, no gymkhana. Mike

My '79 L-48 did not come with the rear sway-bar. I purchased Eckler's front and rear sway-bar kit. The front was an easy replacement. I just laid on the garage floor, did not take off the tires, removed old, put on new. The rear took a litle work since connection point parts for the rear sway-bar needed to be attatched to the trailing arms. However, they are just bolt-on parts that come with the kit. No modification required. The frame already has the bolt holes installed from the factory. I also installed Monroe shocks. The steering difference is beyond description! It actually took time not to over control the car!

|UPDATED|12/7/2003 1:08:05 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Thanks for the advice to all, appreciate it.

Gymkhana has 1.125" diameter front bar. This is important if you decide to add rear bar. If you add rear bar and keep the stock front bar, you will develop an oversteer (rear wants to swap ends with front) condition. OK on dirt tracks but not much fun on freeway off ramps. The stock rear bar with the bigger front bar makes a noticeable improvement in handling.

Marc

I wouldn't give up my rear sway bar for anything. It really improves the handling.