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Is there a certain type of sway bar that fits with a Perfect Launch cover on a 10 bolt? Does it have to be a really small one or aftermarket or something?
I haven't seen the Perfect Launch cover, but I have a Trick Flow cover on my car and there's lots of clearance around the sway bar and Panhard bar. The Perfect Launch cover must be pretty large for there to be clearance problems. Most sway bars travel on the underside of the diff. Is yours different?
Not the best photo, but you can just make out the sway bar. Well below the diff cover.
The problem occurs during full travel of the suspension... the entire bar rotates as the car articulates it. That center section of the bar rotates upward and rearward, specifically.
On my car, with a T/A girdle cover (not lowered), 91 or 92 model 24mm bar if memory serves with ES bushings, it rubs at the center at full jounce, on the very bottom edge of the cover. It's not real bad or anything but it has made a noticeable little rub place right there.
Note that in that photo, the rear axle is hanging; the shocks are fully extended (full rebound). The center part of the bar is therefore rotated fully downward and forward. Put the jack stands under the axle tubes instead, and set the car's weight on them; you'll see what happens. I'd bet money your bar is REAL CLOSE to the cover.
No idea whether any particular sway bars are better/worse about it than others, besides obviously, their OD.
I have Jegs brand rear end cover that looks exactly like the posted Trick Flow cover. I've had it for several years and it has never touched the rear sway bar. The car is sitting up on blocks, so it's in the air but sitting on the wheels. I will take a picture tonight and measure.
Does not change how the sway bar works or the end links.
There is a very minimal difference. Not sure if it could even be calculated. Less than by moving the OEM attachment points around on the axle tubes - very slight difference in leverage.
I have Suspension Techniques sway bar and it clears my Strange 12 bolt but will clip the bottom of the differential housing when the car is jacked up in the air.