Umi front sway bar 1.25

[Mike Swentzel]

Hello everyone I wanted to know if the Umi front sway bar 1.25 is the same size of the stock sway bar? If they're the same size is the Umi better than the stock one. I don't wanna fork over $ if they are the same and just invest in some new bushings and end links. I do not go to the track I just have a cruiser. Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

Stock should be 32mm or 1.259”.

As for the quality difference, can’t answer that one. I have the UMI upfront but I also have their control arms in the front & the rear.

For just a cruiser, I would replace the bushings. Ya can upgrade to poly(more firm=less deflection) if that’s your choice & change the end links if they’re worn out.

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

I suspect the UMI 1.25” sway bar would be very similar to the stock bar, although if the stock sway bar is made from spring steel and the UMI sway bar is made from chrome moly, the UMI bar might be a little stiffer.
If you’re looking for better handling I feel the UMI 1” solid rear (lower control arm mounted) sway bar would make more of a difference along with poly bushings on the front.
I’ve had less squeaking from Addco brand bushings than any others I’ve tried.

https://www.umiperformance.com/home/product/1978-1988-gm-g-body-1-solid-rear-sway-bar/

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[Mike Swentzel]

I want to buy both UMI sway bars and the rear shock tower too but I don't know if the rear shock tower will clear my ATR dual 3" exhaust

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

I want to buy both UMI sway bars and the rear shock tower too but I don't know if the rear shock tower will clear my ATR dual 3" exhaust

Are you using the stock rear exhaust hangars? if not that's a plus.

I can't vouch for the 3", but the shock tower brace clears my 2-1/2" system. Placement is closer to trunk pan with tower brace.

I would also wait a bit, UMI is usually good with their holiday deals. Last time I made a purchase, there was a decent discount.

 

[Mike Swentzel]

Yes, I'm using the stock rear exhaust hangars.

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

Yes, I'm using the stock rear exhaust hangars.

There may be issues with the shock tower brace then. Don't believe it works with the stock hangars.

 

[Mike Swentzel]

Thanks for the heads up or else I'd be selling them here on the forum.

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

I had Herb Adams sway bars on my car since ’87.
The front was 1.31” solid with heim joint end links and the rear was 1.5” solid lower control arm mounted.
I had ATR handling front springs (approx 550 lb/ in and the rears were moog cargo coils (moog chart says 122 lbs/ in) and 255/50-16 tire all around and the car had neutral steering. No understeer, no oversteer, very balanced.

What are you running for springs and tires?

 

[Mike Swentzel]

Sounds like it handles great!

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

Thanks for the heads up or else I'd be selling them here on the forum.

Thread 'Anyone Running Umi Performance Rear Shock Tower Brace'

Oct 1, 2018

I would like to know if anyone is running a Umi Performance rear shock tower brace and get your thoughts on it. I will be getting their upper/lower control arm kit soon for my GN and just thought that the rear shock tower brace would be a great addition to the rear. Thanks

• Hahny
• Replies: 21
• Forum: Brakes, Suspensions, Tires & Wheels

• 

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

Sounds like it handles great!

It did until I went to 255/40-17 fronts and 285/40-17 rears. A lot of oversteer.
I’ve been updating things and installed a QA1 1.38” hollow front bar. It weighs 12 lbs less.
I went with the adjustable UMI 1” hollow rear (frame mounted) bar. It was 24 lbs lighter.
The frame mounted bars are more effective, meaning a smaller frame mounted bar works as well as a larger lower control mounted bar. You probably knew that already.

I went with the UMI 1” lowering springs, 600 lb/in front springs, 130 lb/ in rears along with 285/35-18 front tires and 295/35-18 rears.
I wanted the adjustable rear bar for the new setup so I could get back to where I was before. The weight savings was a bonus.