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UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

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Old Nov 6, 2023 | 01:54 PM
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214jay's Avatar
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UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

Hi folks.

In the process of installing a UMI Panhard relocation kit. When installing the upper bar in the hanger on the passenger side it seems there is quite a large gap. It is the same in the top bolt hole where the UMI spacer is installed, there is a quarter inch gap there too. Is this normal? I have concerns tightening it up and damaging/bending the chasis hanger that it all attaches too. Have attached a photo for reference.

Thanks.

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Old Nov 6, 2023 | 02:08 PM
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Re: UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

You've got both plates situated on the outside of the stock bracket. That would be the smart way to install it but that's not how UMI does it.

Move one of the plates to the inside of the stock bracket. Then you might also have to round up some washers to use as shims to get the stack up of parts correct.
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Old Nov 6, 2023 | 02:16 PM
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350
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Re: UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

Thank for the quick reply. I had a look at photos on the forums of other installs and thought that this was how they were to be installed but unfortunately I do not have instructions.
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Old Nov 6, 2023 | 03:03 PM
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Re: UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

Just assume you have to finish the details on your own to make it work. If you want to use the UMI spacers then you will have to shim the gaps with washers. I'm actually surprised you did not have to also grind the UMI bracket to make it fit, but that's good news if you didn't.

Rod ends and bushings (called misalignment spacers) have standardized dimensions for width and bolt sizes. The stock bracket is actually made to the standard width so you can fix this problem if you are willing to source different bushings and bolts on your own. But you're not going to get that solution from UMI, they chose to go about things in a bit of a goofy way.

​​​​​

Last edited by QwkTrip; Nov 6, 2023 at 03:52 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2023 | 03:55 PM
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Re: UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

Oh, sorry, I didn't pay attention to your pictures. You do not have spherical rod ends so you cannot use misalignment spacers. You have no choice but to move one of the UMI bracket plates to the inside of the stock bracket and shim it as necessary (if needed).

I sure hope the other end of your panhard bar has a threaded rod end or you're not going to be able to center the axle after installing that bracket kit.
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Old Nov 6, 2023 | 04:23 PM
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Re: UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
Oh, sorry, I didn't pay attention to your pictures. You do not have spherical rod ends so you cannot use misalignment spacers. You have no choice but to move one of the UMI bracket plates to the inside of the stock bracket and shim it as necessary (if needed).

I sure hope the other end of your panhard bar has a threaded rod end or you're not going to be able to center the axle after installing that bracket kit.
Yes the other end has an adjuster on it but it is currently set identical to the stock bar and nothing seems to have moved or needed adjusting. I will check the alignment of thr axle after it's all tightened up.
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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 07:54 AM
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Re: UMI Panhard Relocation Kit Concerns

UMI has install pics on their website?
1982-2002 GM F-Body Panhard Bar Relocation Kit | UMI Performance Inc.
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