posted 08-11-2008 05:20 PM                  

See this thread http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/003310.html

And this one http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/003336.html

posted 08-12-2008 09:41 AM                  

I have come up with a permanent fix for this:

Give me until the end of August to finalize this design. I am anticipating a cost under $100 ($50 each). This will be a permanent fix with steel rod ends and an aluminum connecting rod.

posted 08-12-2008 08:23 PM                  

zoom 2000-2001 Plymouth Prowler - Mevotech Sway Bar Link Kit

Our Price: $21.82Quantity: Part Number: MEMK7348MFR#: MK7348"MEVOTECH STABILIZER BAR LINK KIT, FRONT, SOLD INDIVIDUALLY -- A High Quality, Direct Fit OE Replacement Stabilizer Bar Link Kit"

Found on Auto parts warehouse !-800-913-6119

posted 08-12-2008 08:43 PM                  

Mevotek stabilizer kits looks like it only repairs the top bushing...what about the bottom tie rod? Or am I missing something?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQDodgeQQNeonQQMevotech QQSway_Bar_Link_KitQQ20002005QQMEMK7348.html
I am all ears for a cheaper and superior product.

My design is self lubricating and most likely will never have to be replace. They use these type of connecting rods on race cars and SAE cars. The engineer I am working with stated the Prowler prototype had these type of links on it?

posted 08-25-2008 08:38 PM                  

1. Remove the long bolt that attached the upper part of the sway bar. The bolt head (front) requires 13mm socket and the rear nut requires 15mm socket or a crescent wrench will do.

2. Once each bolt on upper part of each sway bar has been removed push down on both vertical sway bars so the lower horizontal sway bar on the bottom clears the bottom of the car and frame.

3. Then use an 18mm socket to remove the nut from the bottom, tie-rod end of the vertical sway bars. This may require jacking the car or parking the nose over a swale.

posted 08-25-2008 08:44 PM                  

** Stay Tuned **

posted 08-26-2008 09:06 PM                  

If you are designing parts, you should at the very least know what they are called. What you are trying to assemble is called a stabilizer link.
Using Heim joints and threaded shaft links for stabilizer links has been around for years, used mostly in racing applications.

The other links pictured are a style used for many years by many manufacturers but they will not work on a Prowler.

By just removing the plastic seals around the ends of your current links, you have almost exactly the same thing you are trying to re-invent.
The links on the Prowler are covered to keep grease in and dirt out but I doubt anyone will ever wear them out even with little or no lube. Just remove your seals and give it a try. You have nothing to lose and just may save a few bucks.

One more quick word of advice,
The problem with the Heim setup is that the overall length of the links need to be exactly and consistantly the same length.
Any variation can cause a preload condition to the sway bar. I would suggest using a non adjustable style link to keep your customers and yourself, out of trouble.
Hole sizes are another issue that needs to be closely monitored.
Undersized bolts or oversized holes are just problems waiting to happen. Be sure you do your homework before you put parts on the market for general use. Double check your clearances, tolerances and bolt grades then preset and lock the links before selling them.

Wonder Bar installation video by Mike Gatlin the "Video King"

posted 08-27-2008 06:52 AM                  

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I do realize the importance of making the stabilizer link match the dimensions of the OEM part. Your right about having the risk for pre-load, but as long as the stablizer links are the same length pre-load is not an issue. I have an plan to ensure my stabilizer links are the same length. You do make a valid point that the OEM stablizer link without the seals will work, but they look like crap next to the Koni shocks.

FYI: My day job is a Mechanical Engineer and have reversed engineered several components in the past. The idea of my vertical stabilizer link does come from dirt track and SAE cars.

posted 09-03-2008 09:11 PM                  

Please give me a week or two to get these installed in my own vehicle when I get it back (hopefully this week). If interested please let me know?

posted 11-27-2008 08:13 AM                  

It will take me approximately 1-2 weeks to acquire some of the parts.