panhard bar

[williamteichroeb]

Hi guys!

I need some help. I've been doing a ton of research and see mixed messages on whether panhard bars are necessary for lifts on our vehicles.

I have a 2009 4runner currently with superflex coils in the rear. I don't have a panhard bar and don't see any different side to side with the rear wheels sticking out further.

I just bought some dobinson long travel coils which will give me another 1.5" height over what I have now (for a total of 3.5"). Will the 4runner track poorly with the stock panhard bar??

Is there a way to calculate the difference in tire poke due to the axle shifting to the one side??

TIA!! Appreciate the help

Will

 

[Inv4drZm]

Geometrically speaking the higher the panhard is, the higher the roll center is (measured from center of link), and the flatter the panhard is, the more neutral your axle will be.

Technically, adding a longer bar might improve handling but it won't put it back to stock, because it doesn't change it's angle to make it flatter. To flatten the bar and raise it you will need to raise the axle side mount. This guy makes the correction kit brackets for 3rd gens and he is working on a 4th gen kit. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...eimkeith-pck-panhard-correction-kits-$86.html

Of course the aftermarket bars are made of stronger tubing and joints, though they don't see the stresses the lower links see but it is the only link that centers the axle side to side. I would say the lower links are much more important to upgrade but the panhard comes in at a tie with the upper links for importance.

I wouldn't say it's a necessary upgrade but it would probably help especially if you are over 3".

 

[having fun]

I'm at 4" in the rear, can see minamal difference on stick out.
Another problem is with the long travel, and stock pan bar, I had to cut up my aftermarket tank skid, was hitting the drive shaft and yoke. So if you did a after market bar and pulled the rear over that .25" your off, would bring the drive line closer to tank.

Food for though.

 

[williamteichroeb]

I'm at 4" in the rear, can see minamal difference on stick out.
Another problem is with the long travel, and stock pan bar, I had to cut up my aftermarket tank skid, was hitting the drive shaft and yoke. So if you did a after market bar and pulled the rear over that .25" your off, would bring the drive line closer to tank.

Food for though.

Thanks [MENTION=130999]Inv4drZm[/MENTION] and having fun. I will probably be 3.5" over stock. I don't have an aftermarket gas tank skid, only the stock one that came with the rig. I just did the engine/tranny/xfer case and didn't see the real need to upgrade the fuel skid.

I definitely see what you're saying about wanting a flat bar. As soon as a kit is available on the market I'll be one of the first to get it. I don't see the need for anything stronger than stock, as I do very light wheeling and when I'm going through anything technical go very slow and calculated, and cautiously.

I was more worried about uneven tire wear, or poor tracking. But it sounds like I'll be fine.