I started asking my question on another post that belonged to someone else but I am not getting a clear answer so im starting a new post. I tried to install my new founders performance panhard rod yesterday but the old bolt will not go through the new rod. It is a "stepped" bolt with the threaded portion being a smaller diameter than the nonthreaded portion. The nonthreaded portion does not seem to want to fit inside the new rod and my questions are:

1) will it not fit because my bolt is old and pitted
2) will it fit if i force it
3) if i need new bolts should they also be "stepped" and where can i find them

Installing the rod is simple and straight forward but I have no idea what acceptable improvision/modifications are to still get the results that these parts are supposed to provide. Any help or suggestions would be appriciated.

Shawn

 

I think I answered you in the other thread.

The factory panhard mounts have 2 different size holes to accomidate the step bolt. You must use the step bolt or you will have slop on one side of the mount and that little slop can allow movement and potential failure, not a good thing.

If your bolt it badly rusted and pitted, try polishing it up with a grinder or even some sandpaper and see if it will fit. I would assume the panhard bar has the proper ID sleave, but maybe founders will ch8ime in on that one, they are on the boards occasionally.

 

I sent founders a pm yesterday but havent heard back from him. Im in no rush but feel like a kid who got a new toy for christmas but no batteries. I too would imagine the sleeve is the proper size but I have read his products are a tight fit in other posts so I just wanted to clarify if it was an issue or if I was just to afraid to break the new part to use the proper amount of force. Thank you for your reply, I will try cleaning up the bolt and see if that solves the problem.

Shawn

 

so if I get this right, the stock bolt will not fit through the new PHB?

 

That is correct. I have even removed the bar from the car to try the bolt itself thinking that maybe 1 side of the non adjustable portion was a larger diameter than the other but the unthreaded larger diameter section of the bolt will not fit through it in either direction.

Shawn

 

Sanding the bolts solved the problem.

 

Let us know if you feel any difference in your cars handling.

 

awesome! Dont you love simple fixes?

 

I love them more when I recognize them as simple from the start lol. As far as the handling goes I will keep you posted but it may be a little bit as the 305 is halfway through being replaced with my 350.