rear sway bar

[BobCit]

Can any one tell me if the rear sway bar on a 79 base GP is the same as a 79 SJ GP

 

[84GP455]

That depends on what size engine was in the car. Generally six cylinder engines have a smaller diameter size sway bar than the v8 ones. If they were both v8's then they should be the same diameter (I think!)unless the bigger size 1 1/4"inch was a suspension option, but i doubt it.

 

[BobCit]

I should have included the info that they both have the 301 v8

 

[shotgun]

I have had a few "base" GP and they had a small front bar and no rear bar.

I believe you could get the bigger front bar with a rear bar as an option (F41?) on the base.

I also believe they were included in some packages such as SJ,LJ.They were on the ones I owned.

The bigger sets are 1 1/4 front, 7/8 rear.
Not sure of the size of the small front for a base car but would guess in the 7/8 area.

Need a set?

 

[BobCit]

I have an SJ as a parts car and my driver is the base GP with the 4 speed.
My thought was the SJ might have some better suspension parts I could put on the base GP. Do you think it would be a simple swap or not worth the trouble

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

As far as I know, if the car has the rear bar it has the handling package already installed. The differences were in tuning to offset engine weight differences, but since both cars had the same engine, both would have the same suspension. The only possible difference would be the front spring rate as GM used a computer to select the springs based on weight. However, spending the time to swap out one set of 28-30 year old springs for another is pointless as both would have taken a set and lost at least some of their original spring rate. To improve handling, I would suggest a new set of springs and new polyurethane bushings, as well as new ball joints and tie rod ends and maybe a steering coupler. I have the Eibach lowering springs in my car, but have come to the conclusion that they are just too stiff, so I would suggest something milder. Also, a swap to at least 16x8 inch wheels and 245 50 16's would do wonders for the handling. These are heavy cars and they tend to completely overwhelm the puny stock tires with their tall sidewalls, handling package or not. 15x7's with 235 60 15's may also help in a pinch, and many 3rd gen F cars came with the Pontiac Rally II wheels in that size stock. Optimally I would use 17x8 front wheels and 17x9.5's in the rear, but I am unsure if they really would fit your particular car or not.

One more thing: The easiest way to check the sway bar size is with an open end wrench. It can basically serve as a caliper to tell you the diameter of the bar. For example, if a 7/8 wrench fits it snugly, you know you have a 7/8 bar.

 

[BobCit]

Thanks for the info. Eventually I want to update the original front end,springs and what not. I was looking at the eibach springs.
I am not looking to make it some super handling vehicle just looking to improve the ride and handling as a pleasure cruiser