Maximum Motorsports Panhard Bar Install Problem

[GAboySVO]

I got one of MM's panhard bar and tried to install this weekend. Everything was going great until I tried to install the chassis mount. Inside to inside distance of the "U" brackets on the chassis mount measures ~32 1/16" while the distance between my frame rail at the specified mounting point near the bump stop bracket is 30 1/2" and I can't make it fit.

Anybody else run into this problem? Can anybody measure the inside to inside distance on your car at the rear side of the bumpstop bracker for comparison?

[shelby1962]

I have a MM panhard on my '85 GT. The frame rails measure 30 1/2" inside to inside just rear on the bump stop bracket. I also checked my '84 SVO and it measured 30 5/8" at the same spot. I had no trouble with the install on mine. Call their tech dept on Monday if the piece is messed up.........

[vrinner]

My K-member was about 1/8" off for mouting the a-arms. The a-arms simply wouldn't fit. Now you are about 2" off and that seems a bit extreem. Maybe they sent you the wrong part/different model year?

Their tech support is great...I'm sure you'll get it resolved as soon as you talk with them.

[GAboySVO]

Well, upon further inspection, the "U" shaped brakets are welded at an angle and the front side is closer to the 30 1/2" dimesion of my frame rails. It is still to wide a ~30 11/16". I talked to tech support and the suggested that I cut off the "U" bracke and weld them in or move the whole bracket aftward away from the bump stop brackets. I'll have to check into what is going to be the easiest for me to do. I'll keep you posted.

[shelby1962]

I would strongly suggest to tech to have them send you a new one in exchange at no charge. For what they charge it should be perfect and not need to be cut and rewelded...

[SVOeric]

yea, what he said!

[CP86SVO]

I've installed several MM PHB in many different FOX body cars without any problems whatsoever, from my own SVO to an 87 GT and a 93 LX to an 85 Mercury Marquis. However, all of them were a really tight fit and I had to use many spacers on the outer side of the mount to fill in the gap between the frame rail and the chassis mount. Remember, the position of the chassis mount is dictated by the measurement of the plumb bob off the axle and the axle mount (D2 in the instructions) and the chassis mount (D3 in the instructions)...the PHB chassis mount WILL overlap the bumpstop mount on the car.

HTH WS

[GAboySVO]

the PHB chassis mount WILL overlap the bumpstop mount on the car.

This is the problem. I can't get it even close to the bump stop before it springs out.

[mpinnix]

Has the car been hit in the quarters?
I had difficulty fitting one up to my track car, which had been hit on the driver's side quarter behind the tire.
I had removed my set up from another car so I knew it was not the MM piece causing the problem. It also slid perfectly into position on my low mileage SVO.

[shelby1962]

Here is a picture if that helps at all.

[GAboySVO]

Thanks for the picture. I don't believe the car has been hit hard in the rear. The front, well, thats another story. I'll try what MM tech support suggested first before I cut anything. It could be that my bump stop brackets are to far forward.

What exhaust pipes did everyone who has a panhard bar use to clear everything?

[shelby1962]

Right now I have no tailpipes, just turn downs right after the 2 1/2" flowmasters. MM claims almost any tailpipes will fit the panhard rod.

[Horsewidower]

I've got a 3" that goes up and over the axle and out the back, custom deal. I had a dump coming out of a moroso spiroflow. Made my ears bleed.

Bob