over-axle loop modification, rubbing

[lifespeed]

I noticed when I put the Addco 2271 1-1/8" tubular rear swaybar (http://www.neverenoughauto.com/p-6125-addco-rear-anti-sway-bar-2271.aspx) on the car it actually touches the exhaust axle loop as the suspension articulates.

Obviously this will be a problem, and the swaybar location is not negotiable. As I look closely, I see the driver side loop is narrower than the passenger side loop. No sway bar clearance issues on the passenger side.

I'm not sure if the muffler shop can just heat and bend this, or if it makes sense to replace the tailpipe for this issue. If memory serves me, it is all welded. I don't want to downgrade from stainless steel either.

[ctrlraven]

I've got 2.5" mandrel bent over axle with Addco's rear sway bar and nothing is touching.

[DOOM]

I've got 2.5" mandrel bent over axle with Addco's rear sway bar and nothing is touching.


I have the same setup like this ^^^

No issues here.

[lifespeed]

Not sure either of you have the larger hollow bar. I just have stock exhaust, but the loop is visibly narrower. Possibly just sloppy from the factory.

Where are these mandrel bends available? Are they complete tailpipes for the car?

[DOOM]

We both have addco sway bars.

They are SOLID BARS.

[lifespeed]

We both have addco sway bars.

They are SOLID BARS.

I'm sure yours is, but mine is hollow - part #2271. They make both types. More interested in the exhaust aspect of this, though. I already know what I put on my car.

[babbage]

Mandrel bending solutions sells a nice 2.5" over the axle pipes for the MM. Birdman runs these. They are quality

[fastblackmerc]

I've got 2.5" mandrel bent over axle with Addco's rear sway bar and nothing is touching.


I have the same setup like this ^^^

No issues here.

I have the same and no problems.

How much bigger diameter is the hollow bar?

[lifespeed]

I have the same and no problems.

How much bigger diameter is the hollow bar?

It's only 1/8" bigger, 1-1/8" vs 1", I believe.

Really, I don't think the slightly larger bar is the issue by itself. There has to be some clearance between suspension and exhaust. I'll look at mounts, etc, and try to see why I might have an interference fit. :(

[ctrlraven]

Mandrel Bending Solultions
http://www.mandrelbend.com/

PHONE: (410) 360-7106 ask for GREG.

I think over axle pipes are $325-350 and then only god knows how much the shipping would be from Maryland to CA. If it's touching now then it could very well touch with the 2.5" pipe. I had the solid sway bar with stock tailpipes, CVPI replacement tailpipes and now with the 2.5". I also had Greg do the install so he made sure nothing was touching.

[fastblackmerc]

It's only 1/8" bigger, 1-1/8" vs 1", I believe.

Really, I don't think the slightly larger bar is the issue by itself. There has to be some clearance between suspension and exhaust. I'll look at mounts, etc, and try to see why I might have an interference fit. :(

When I got my exhaust system fabbed and installed ay Grand Muffler in Atlanta, Todd said that there are no two MM exhaust systems the same. Each one he's done was different.

[lifespeed]

Checked with a local exhaust shop this morning. Their solution is to press-bend a new driver's side tailpipe. Yuck.

Looks like I'll be getting a new Stainless Works exhaust system, but connected up to the factory cats to stay California-legal. What an expensive fix for the sway bar rubbing! Anything less is a temporary fix that won't easily support future improvements, however.

[justbob]

Where is it hitting exactly? Pic?


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[lifespeed]

Where is it hitting exactly? Pic?

I did find a shop to tweak the tailpipe. Doesn't rub constantly, although the added clearance is minimal. Should get me through daily driving over the next week without ruining my sway bar. Apparently 409 stainless is harder than the spring steel of the bar!

No pics, sorry. On the drivers side the vertical pipe going down behind the axle and sway bar rubs where the bar jogs to the rear to clear the center section of the differential. This bend is different with the aftermarket piece, so it is likely not just an issue with the increased diameter, but probably the shape of the pumpkin-clearing-bend.

I'll see if I can grab a photo when I adjust the rear shocks tonight.

[justbob]

I may have a couple suggestions for you, but will need a pic to go by.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[lifespeed]

Got a new Stainless Works cat-back exhaust system installed. This is a custom job to mate to the factory cats using mandrel bends. The shop I used did a very nice job. Throttle response is improved, as well as a slight increase in torque. The interference problem is totally eliminated as the over-axle loops are further towards the wheel, so don't interfere with the differential clearance bend in the sway bar.

It is louder from 1200 to 1600 RPM, but still quiet at higher revs. Not a bad upgrade. Wish I could do headers in California, but that is a major emissions bureaucratic headache that I will only undertake with a supercharged (this is a 2004 Mustang Cobra engine swap, Mr. smog referee) engine swap :rolleyes: