Ok, i was changing my rear brakes today, and i jacked up the car on the pumpking. No probs there. THen, i put jack stands under the long bar that runs from the right to left side of the car right behind the axle. The bar is a piece of square tubing with only 3 sides. I hope someone here knows what i am talking about. Anyway, when i lowered the jack to put the car on the stands, the wall of this long bar bend. Now the bar looks twisted. What did i bust... and where do i get a new one. Is it safe to drive the car in the meantime? It feels fine.

OH, i think i know what i bent, the track bar. It is not really 'bent' but the side wall is twisted. Is it ok to drive on?

 

No, not OK to drive.

It is in fact what people call the "track bar". Its real name is Panhard bar. It is the thing that locates the rear end centered from side to side under the car. With it bent, it allows the body to mave from side to side on the supension, a very unhealthy condition. It it is nit straight, then it is bent, no matter what aspect of it is bent, and it is unsafe.

You can get one at the dealer, or from an aftermarket company such as Lakewood or Hotchkiss or Spohn (a sponsor of this site, see banner at top of page), or Global West, etc.

Next time, put the jack stands under the axle tubes. They are the correct place.

 

That is where i would've put the stands, but the rear sway bar was in the way?? Can i put it on the rear sway bar???

NOw, you say that it is not ok to drive. Well, that really stinks because this is my only car right now. I need it to, well live (and race more mustangs ). I drove it tonight just a few miles, and it seems fine. I don't notice any difference in the car. If i keep it under 60, should i be ok until i get my new one??? Also, do you reccomend i buy the adjustable ones form Spohn or just the non adjustable one. Money is an object, but if i can benefit from the adjustable one, i will do it.

 

You only need an adjustable phb if the rear end isn't centered under the car side to side. I'm sure you didn't take a measurement before you bent the bar, so you won't know the answer to the question "do I need an adjustable phb". if your stock bar were still straight, you would measure the distance from the lip of the rim or side of the tire to the lip of the fender on both sides. Compare the measurements. If it is within 1/4" of so, then you really don't need an adjustable phb. A used phb can be picked up at any junkyard or pick-a-part for cheap. If you are upgrading your suspension or lowering the car with lowering springs, then by all means get an aftermarket adjustable phb. I have done both, but found my side to side measurement was only about 1/16" different. So IMO an adjustable phb wasn't needed. Good luck, Lon.

 

I am installing LFC's and SFC's next week. I also do plan on updating my suspension, but not lowering it. Will this warrent the extra money for an adjustable one? Also will the mild steel one be ok, or should i get the chromolly one? Is the adjustable track bar harder to install then the regular one?

 

DON’T DRIVE HARD INTO THE CORNERS!!!! With the panhard bar bent the rear my only shift under hard loads. I know because this is how I fond out that my old bar was tweaked. It’s just no good having your rear shift under the car when you’re going around one of those 25mph turns at 60mph. Just plain scary. That and the chick in the car smacked the he!! Out of my face for almost killing her. Not a good way to try for a little. 