AMC Eagle Den Forum
The Shop => Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires => Topic started by: Whuntmore on March 23, 2012, 07:17:13 PM
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I consider El Matador pretty well versed in parts (and availability) on most AMC cars - mostly the Eagle.
Now, he tells me about rear sway bars in this way: "I've heard people mention that these things exist, but they're mostly a myth" (you really have to hear him say this... very sarcastic and jokingly. it's actually funny)
But EM says he doesn't know anyone who has one, or has actually seen one (a rear sway bar) on an eagle.
I've never known they were rare or not. I didn't give the matter any thought at all.
So, are they really that rare??
If yes, then there were two at the Kelowna Pick n Pull. We got the one that was pretty much rust free. I took all the brackets off (two on the frame, and two plates that sit under the U-bolt nuts.) and I got the bushings intact, and all the basic parts.
I told Dean we need to bring it in, and see how much to duplicate it (part numbers, parts available, bending the bar, etc.) and/or at least get specs for it so someone else can have one made.
we probably should have taken measurements on where the holes go into the frame, but we never thought of that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB0S9Jc57XY&
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My 86 wagon has one and it also has the factory heavy duty trailer hitch and transmission cooler.Makes me wonder if it was a package deal or something? Anyway the sway bar needs new rubber bushings and was wondering where a guy might find these parts.
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My 86 wagon has one and it also has the factory heavy duty trailer hitch and transmission cooler.Makes me wonder if it was a package deal or something? Anyway the sway bar needs new rubber bushings and was wondering where a guy might find these parts.
not sure because Dean's wagon has the towing package (his current DD) with the tranny cooler, and the trailer hitch, and his doesn't have the rear sway bar...
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This is interesting...At this point I've only seen Canadian models of Eagles and Concords but the Hornet has proven to me that some American manufactured models may exist as well. Maybe parts packages like sway bars and certain gauges were determined by their manufacturing plant?
Was there anything less than ordinary about these cars?
Transmission?
Shifter location?
Differential gearing?
Engine?
Wagon/Sedan?
My Eagle wagon was made with the I6 258, floor shifted 3SPD auto, 2.73 gearing and I have never seen a rear sway bar on any of these vehicles. I didn't see one on the 81 Eagle that used to be in the PDX Pick-n-Pull either and it's pretty much a clone of my car without select drive. Weird. :/
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I've got at least 6 sway bars. They certainly exist. My '83 SX4 had one from the factory and there is nothing special about it except that the original owner checked off every option the dealer had available. If you see an Eagle sway bar in the junkyard I want the foot at the axle and the mounting brackets at the subframe. I'd like to install them in every Eagle I own. They make a huge difference in ride quality.
The Jeep Cherokee sway bar itself is totally identical to the Eagle version. I wouldn't pay shipping for the bar itself because I can pick up a dozen of them in my junkyard here at home. The pictures show a Cherokee sway bar with Eagle mounting hardware. The holes for the sway bar are already drilled in all Eagles. The angle that bolts to those holes would not be hard to fabricate (its different than the XJ version).
At the end of the sway bar are two short links that go from the end to the axle. The XJ version is rotated 90 degrees to the Eagle version. This is necessary because of the Eagle bumpstop. You can use the XJ feet if you cut them, rotate them, and weld them back together.
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/Oct20110522.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/Oct20110525.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/Oct20110526.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/Oct20110524.jpg)
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They are pretty much the same as the XJ ones. I've had both side by side (not sure if my current wagon has one)
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I just installed a rear swaybar from a Jeep Cherokee. It fit perfect. I fabricated an L shaped bracket to go on the frame, and a long L bracket for mounting on the spring ubolts. The endpiece from the Cherokee fit perfectly without modifications.
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I've got a rear swaybar in my '80 Eagle Sport STW, along with what's likely an original trailer hitch and coilovers in the back.
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Mine had the Air ride and no swaybar.
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https://www.amclives.com/products/sway-bar-kit-rear-3-4-forged-steel-1980-88-amc-eagle
hows this look...would it benefit a kammback?
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I would think it would. I think the ones that came on our cars are smaller diameter and doubtfully forged steel.
Going to look into one of these myself.
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... Makes me wonder if it was a package deal or something? ...
From the 81 dealer price guide.pdf
HD (heavy duty) option 701: a rear sway bar and a heavier duty front sway bar. Don't know if that was actually offered for Eagles.
Under 30 series Eagles: Extra Duty Suspension Package: rear sway bar, heavy duty shocks (front & rear), heavy duty springs (front & rear).
Under 50 series Eagles: Extra Duty Suspension Package: rear sway bar, heavy duty shocks (front & rear).