On 29 Mar 2006 at 11:40, Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

> The late 85 uses the early sway bar with the late cast iorn suspension.
> Looks like only inner and outter bushings need changing along with the new
> sway bar.The straight end links are used with the early bar in this 85.
>
> I dont see why you cant use the late bar in the early sheet metal lower
> control arm suspension. Use the dog leg or straight end links.The thinner
> bar will cause less stress on these links.I think the larger bar, caused
> the cast iorn dog leg end link, to snap at the threaded part.This, when
> wear occured in a worn suspension. I guess that is why VW changed to steel.
>
>  My early 85 came without an end link on one side. Probably like that for
> years.I saw several just like it in the junk yard.Why do you want the
> thinner bar?

Actually, I was wondering if I could just swap the straight end links in place of the dogleg
ones on my '82. Both of the doglegs snapped last summer on rough roads. I put rubber coil
spacers in the springs, which *might* have rubbed against the end links, I can't be sure. I will
try to weld the cast dogleg links, but don't expect it will last. If I can swap to the straight ones,
it might work better. So you are saying the later sway bar is actually a different length and/or
diameter? I'll have to inspect more closely I guess.

Thanks for the info.

Shawn Wright
http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
'82 Diesel Westy 1.6NA
'85 Jetta Diesel 1.6NA