VPM rear sway bar for 3-link

[Geoff H]

Is anyone running the VPM rear sway bar with a 3-link rear suspension?

I have had the rear bar for years and decided to try it out (winter project). I am hoping someone is running the bar and can take a few pictures of the installation - more specifically the driver's side bushing/mount on the axle.

Thanks,
Geoff

[John Ibele]

VPM owner with IRS here - hence, not sure if I can help, but happy to if I can. Can take photos or copy / send the instructions that came with them.

[johnnybgoode]

Here are a couple of shots of my driver's side install. I added the split collars to keep the bar centered. Scott

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[Geoff H]

Thanks for the offer John. I am afraid it is 3-link specific - when the car is lifted (like during installation) the sway bar axle mount/bushing ends up being placed where the 3-link diagonal comes down to the frame. The problem is the axle tube rests against this same diagonal piece and puts the weight of axle, or a portion of it, onto the sway bar mount/bushing. Just wondering what people have done for the work around - I have not been able to find anything through google search. And the VPM website appears to be offline.

Thanks again,
Geoff

[Geoff H]

Thanks JBG! Super helpful! When the car is lifted does your bracket nudge up against the 3-link diagonal piece? I need approx 1/4" more to the center to make sure the sway bar arm clears the shock. But with car lifted and the axle resting on the diagonal, the bracket/bushing is right up against it. I can always lower the car down and place it over the 1/4" needed. But I am not sure of the strength of it or if it will move when it gets pressed between the axle/diagonal. You John guys are really helpful :).

Thanks,
Geoff

[johnnybgoode]

Hi Geoff. The pics of mine are a full droop with the frame on jack stands. Neither the axle or the VPM bar hits the 3-link bracket. Can you rotate the sway bar brackets on the axle to point the bar up slightly and/or move the brackets more inboard to give you the clearance you need? Here's another pick of the left hand side and rear view. I was upgrading to QA1's when this was taken so maybe they are shorter than your shocks although the original Pro Shocks didn't have any clearance issues. I did have to swap my calipers side to side to move them in front of the axle to clear the bigger springs on the QA1's. This also took the s-bend out of the parking brake cables. Scott

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[Geoff H]

Thank you Scott. - might be the shocks as you say. I like your suggestion with the bushings. Even just a bit upward rotation might give me the clearance I need. Really appreciate the pics!

Geoff

[CraigS]

Just loosen the axle saddle mount and rotate it upward. In these pics you can tell by the angle that mine was significantly higher than yours.
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[Geoff H]

Thanks for the suggestions. Works for me!

[RoadRacer]

I have the vpm sway bar with 3link. Check out my build thread for pics

[Geoff H]

Thank you - awesome build and videos!