I am looking to remove the upper panhard brace to fit a large exhaust system in there over the axle with ease. One of the guys who did the same thing said he didnt notice any difference in handling but I want to know what you guys think. I mean I dont autocross the car or havent yet but I looked at it and it seems pretty useless, connects the mounting bracket thing to the body its already firmly connected to.... what you guys think?

 

That upper panhard bar is there for a good reason. Removing it is a very bad idea in my opinion.

Let me explain, the entire rear axle is prevented from shooting sideways out from under the car by the panhard rod. That force is sent into the panhard bracket. The upper panhard braces the bracket and shares the load in tension and compression. Without the upper bar the force gains a lever arm of 3-4" on the panhard bracket and the load on the bracket increases by 100% + the effect of the increase of the lever arm. That could break the bracket and twist it off of the body.

The handling will not change alot until you break the bracket. At that time everything will go to hell in a hurry. It could cause a bad wreck, and it will fail in a turn.

It is your car, and I don't mean to bust your chops, but this is very bad idea. Would you drive on a bridge if they were cuting out the braces along the side? It is the same effect here.

You were right to ask the question, and you would be wise not to do it.

 

thanks a bunch man I might just go under the axle...

 

I recall reading that there are modified panhard braces available for the true dual exhaust setups.. try looking into that option..

 

BMR.... 1/2-way down the page:

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/F-bodySuspension.htm

 

I thought I remembered another company making one jsut like that except it was a bit cheaper, anyone know who that is?