Roads in my area are really getting shot, really a rough ride the the 88. Have to be hard on the car too I'd think considering my 80 mile RT commute. Wondering if unhooking the sway bars would be a reasonable mod to improve ride quality. Not much interested in road racing and such, mostly a highway cruiser. Anyone do this?

 

I have done it on a 4x4. Should be a big difference in ride quality with them unhooked. Try just disconnecting one endlink to try it out and be careful because it will sway a lot more especially in an emergency condition.

 

Never thought about unhooking one end, makes sense too. Low center of gravity and the stiffer suspension might help the body roll deal. Need a warm day around here.

 

It will decrease your wheel rate and reduce a bit of unspung weight which would help. How are your shocks and struts? A good set of dampers will make a world of difference and make the car handle better rather than worse. Replacing old bushings with new low durometer rubber ones and going to softer spring rates and progressive bump stops will all help ride quality as well.

 

X's 2 on unhooking one end and giving it a try.

Craig

 

Think I will try this. New shocks and struts last year, IROC spring rates are some better than normal too I suspect. Might have to put a Cadillac badge on the bumper? So. Ohio roads/streets are horrible these days. Thanks for the replies.

 

I have heard of unhooking the sway bar for off-roading...I can't see how this is the answer on a street car.

If you have a rough ride, I would agree with midnightfirews6...the purpose of a shock/strut is to DAMPEN the coil spring (which responds to the bumps in the road). So check/replace the struts/shocks first.

Don't forget about the tires as well. Tires with a higher sidewall provide a slightly better ride due to the "cushion" available in the sidewall...doesn't help handling though. Old tires get rock-hard and don't help the ride.

Lastly, let's not forget this time of year naturally brings uneven roads due to frost heaves with the freeze/thaw cycle. Roads that are normally good around here, are currently terrible with bumps/heaves.

 

I recently replaced my 84 z28's front springs and front swaybar because it literally felt like a 90's era Cadillac boat but was very compliant over the rough stuff. Front bar was 31'ish mm and 450# springs. 36mm bar and cut 700# springs replaced them. Pot holes suck now but wouldn't have it any other way.

If you would like to try the 450# springs or bar you can have them for the cost of shipping.

 

Don't disconnect the sway bars. won't improve the ride. More tire sidewall, progressive springs better shock damping, that will improve the ride. If you want to spend more serious money, bag it.

 

Disconnecting sway bars can cause dangerous handling.


Plus as stated above, the ride quality is due to the spring/shocks. The sway bars have very little to do with the ride, except when cornering.