from all I've read in here and elsewhere replacing the stamped GM stock pan hard bar ir pretty easy with the exception of the angling the new one in with the old bushings, HOWEVER, is the really a difference and what are those difference? Also, is BMR the best?

I don't really want an adjustable from what I've read just would like the rear end to hook up better and have read this helps put the wheels down more then the stock.

 

panhard bar was a night and day difference on my 1995 Z28.. i still have it and will eventually mod my 2002 with it.. but yes.. its that good. I would highly suggest getting one.. the name brand is good.. BMR makes decent parts.. most here like them..

Adjustable is only needed if you plan on lowering your car..

I would also suggest LCA's as well.. The whole install for me was super simple..

 

Replacing the panhard rod alone won't make much if a difference. If you have a lowered car & you get an adjustable panhard rod, LCA's, LCA relocation brackets it will make a nice difference in your traction. A panhard rod will not help you hook up better, you'll need LCA's & LCA relo brackets for that. An upgraded torque arm will help too. BMR is solid quality but not the best. LG is probably the best but they are very expensive. I would just get BMR though.

 

Installing the LCA's ( front and back ?? ) does not look as easy as the Pan Hard Bar alone. so, they'll be no noticable difference without the LCA's???

I don't think I'm capable of un-installing/installing the LSA's. My luck something would get screwed up and I'd be &*%$#

 

I put in the BMR LCA's a few weeks ago, i deffinately felt a difference, much firmer, like the rear axle wasn't bouncing around as much. The next thing I'm getting is the BMR PHB (adjustable - for lowering sometime in the future). Now, the tires I have are almost gone, and they could break traction no sweat. Now with the LCA's, they feel pretty sticky again. How much better of traction will I get with the PHB?

 

A panhard rod isn't going to help your traction. It's meant to center your axle when you lower your car &/or get wide tires.

 

thats what an ADJUSTABLE panhard does..

but it does add to traction.


actually... LG doesnt make the best.. Not a big fan of that company. When it comes down to it really, its just 3 pieces of tubular steel (chromoly would be best) that are welded together. You cant get much more simple than that..

As long as it inst as cheesy as the panhard and lca stock pieces with a strip of steel welded to them then its ok.


Panhard made a day night difference on my car. LCAs just add to it. A stiffer panhard does make a noticeable improvement IMO.

I was running 1.9 60' times with the panhard on street tires. I am pretty damn sure I can pull 1.9s again if I were to install it on my new car.

 

hmm 4 bolts.. thats all there is to LCA.. Lower Control Arms.. Rear only.. You arent 4 wheel drive are you? You dont need front ones for traction off the line.

the are simple tubular steel that have stiffer bushings on them. Better for fighting flex and the like. With LCAs you shouldnt get annoying chatter or wheelhop..

the panhard and the lcas are easypeasy.. simple 1 bolt per hole. the panhard has 2 the lcas have 2 each.. simple off and on.. I did mine in the dark.

 

doing some suspension mods now will not only help u hook up but will also ensure that ur traction problems wil be dedreased in the future when u add more power and torque....BMR and LG are good as is Spohn performance which is my personal favorite...i was goin 1.8 60' foot times on drag radials with stock suspension...the LCAs and panhard brought me down to a 1.72 60'....

 

hmm 4 bolts.. thats all there is to LCA.. Lower Control Arms.. Rear only.. You arent 4 wheel drive are you? You dont need front ones for traction off the line.

the are simple tubular steel that have stiffer bushings on them. Better for fighting flex and the like. With LCAs you shouldnt get annoying chatter or wheelhop..

the panhard and the lcas are easypeasy.. simple 1 bolt per hole. the panhard has 2 the lcas have 2 each.. simple off and on.. I did mine in the dark.

yea, I checked out installuniversity for the LCA's and the instructions say it could be tuff getting off the rear LCA's and those INSTRUCTIONS replace all four, front/back, correct?

 

so far --- cabbage - is a GO for the pan hard rod ONLY with measurable change, maybe down the line I look at LCA's for the BACK only. ANYBODY else????

I can see for myself that GM stock Pan Hard Rod is flimsy at best.

 

You keep talking about front and rear lower control arms. Have you looked under your car? They are only in the rear. (***Edit - I guess the lower A Arms in the front could be considered control arms too. But you definately don't want to replace those.***)I suggest you recruit the help of a friend if you decide to do this as it sounds like one of your first mod projects.

And I disagree with the PHB helping straight line traction. It is only there to keep the axle centered when lateral (sideways) force is applied. The LCA's will help straight line traction. The PHB will help traction while cornering. Two very different areas. If you're looking for better 'handling' I suggest getting the adjustable with quality QA1 rod ends. (And you can make your own too. Wouldn't that be fun!) Here's why: The solid rodend joints allow zero deflection. Poly are good too. But on a PHB you shouldn't wear out the joints for a very very long time. The forces applied and movement involved aren't as great as those that the lower control arms have to take. And they should last as long as a PHB with poly bushings. And when they wear out in 5 years, just replace the joints. They screw right off of an adjustable PHB. Non-adjustables are usually welded on. You'll have to buy an entire bar when it wears out. And if you ever DO decide to upgrade your handling and lower the car, you already have the bar you need.

 

why would you do such a thing to the guy? we have all deduced that this may be one of his first mod missions.. He doesnt need to get into spherical rod ends.. Much less adjustable.. Keep it simple and easy and he will find enjoyment..

heheh

 

I change my oil/filter with Mobil 1 Syntec, thats about it. I would never try something harder then the pan hard bar cause I have no technical apptitiude.

I thought the pan hard bar would be in my range and wanted to know if it would be worth the time and $$$ WITHOUT the LCA's. I would not even do my rotors and brakes - $ 747.00 for front rotors, turn the backs, and ceramic pads....