How rare is an M2 rear sway bar setup? On my adventures shopping for suspension parts I came across, what a guy swears is, the whole rear sway bar assembly for a mustang II. Doesn't really work with my plans for the 76, but I may grab it anyways, for &*%$ and giggles. I can't find much info, or many good pics, to be able to positively id it either.
I have one lying around here that I have yet to install. If I recall correctly the lower shock mount is the perpendicular bolt arrangement rather than axial threads on the Pinto shock. Let me see if I can dig it out and get a picture. Minutes later... - OK I found it. Yes, it does have the perpendicular lower shock bolts AND it seems the mounting plates invert the shock front/back too. Now..., if I can only remember why I cut the straps and pried them up???
As to how rare they are? About as rare as finding a Mustang II (with a SB). And at least at the self serve yards here in So. Cal. they are not readily found the past few years.
I have one of these setups also. It was pulled from a Pick-Your-Parts type yard in Bakersfield, Ca. maybe 8 years ago but here are my thoughts: Rare does not always mean desirable. Wittsend is right, the shock mounting is different from a Pinto's so you need use Mustang II type shocks. Personally, I would not use the rear bar on a trunk/runabout model because there would be little or no benefit UNLESS you are going to tow stuff. however, I would definitely use one on a wagon because they have a higher center of gravity and would benefit. The bar will fit a 74 and up Pinto but if I remember correctly, I does not easily fit the 71-73 rear frame rails without mods and fabrication. NEVER use a rear bar without a thicker FRONT anti-sway bar in place or you're asking for handling problems. Most any Pinto would benefit from a front bar especially if your hanging a turbo on the heavy 2.3 or dropping in a V8 except in drag racing where you need weight transfer and aren't looking to turn corners. A front bar is where I would put my $$ first (and have).
71HANTO
If you like hanging the rear end out in the turns, go for it. I would much rather have the rear end loose than have the front end pushing in the turns. But then again, I always did drive like a dirt tracker. Crowds love a loose race car.
I'm not really looking for one, just came across one. I'm putting an irs in the 76. I was just thinking of picking it up for a future project or to pass along. The pics wittsend put up are what I saw, so I'm pretty sure it's what he said it was. Just haven't seen any around, so I thought I might get while it's there, regardless of need.
I'd buy it if it was cheap enough, II people will always be willing to buy it later on if you decide not to use it yourself.
Russ
I picked up the whole shebang for $30. I think it's all there.