1972 small block anti roll bars

[Alan Collins]

Hi All, whilst refurbing my front suspension I found I have a 1 1/8" front anti roll bar fitted. My investigations indicate 3/4" is standard for a small block and 15/16" for a big block. Searching for new bushes I have found reference to 1 1/8" but no parts stocked. I also have a rear anti roll bar fitted which appears to be 7/16". I am not aware of a factory handling upgrade option so it appears the car has had previous owner upgrades in the states. I know the previous UK owner installed a fibreglass rear spring new front coils and new shocks allround. The front springs appear to be a very stiff rate and may not be stock, they have a yellow part no. tag "3832518". I am contact the previous owner for more onfo on the springs. Can you confirm:

Is the rear anti roll bar standard fitment
Where does the larger front anti roll bar come from?
Am I best keeping the upgraded part(s) or going back to standard spec?

 

[Oneball]

What sort of links does the rear ARB have?

 

[Oneball]

Vansteel

www.vansteel.com

 

[phild]

Standard spring rates for your car are: 280lb/in front and 140lb/in rear.
Optional F41 were 550;b/in front & 305lb/in rear.

ARB's for your year were 3/4in front, The11/8 you have is for a '75 FE7
Your year didn't have, as standard, an ARB for the rear the '75 had the 7/16 FE7 that you have.

Source, Richard Newton's Restoration Manual.

Hope it helps.

 

[Alexm]

I fitted a super street handling kit (from Ecklers) to my 73 quite a few years ago and it sounds pretty much what you’ve got.
1-1/8 arb, 7-16 rear arb(didn’t have one before)
550 instead of 350 lb front springs, adjustable rear track rods, rear fibre spring and gas shocks all round.
Made quite an improvement!

 

[johng]

My 78 with the Gymkhana suspension option has 1-1/8 front and 7/16 rear arb

 

[Alan Collins]

Hi All, Thanks for all the info. The rear ARB is mounted on the chassis main frame rails above the spare wheel carrier and attached to the rear arms by drop links, see photo.
It does look like the front springs are 550 lb - 1 inch, just trying to find out the rear spring rate but probably around 360lb. Seems like a balanced if firm setup for the road. Now know to look for ARB parts for a 1975 year car.