Sway bar rates?

[Invader64]

I have 2 different configurations of front sway bars. One has a smaller diameter solid bar the other a larger diameter tube. How does one test these to get the rates?

[R. Pare]

If you know the ID of the hollow shaft, you can calculate the Moment of Inertia of both bars and then the rates (of the bar itself). You can find the equations on the net under calculation of spring rates.

Otherwise, mount the bar in the car, put a solid rod in place of one shock (remove the other), and hang weights on the wheel hub on the side without the shock. With a dial indicator on the hub (or top of the upright itself), you can then measure how much movement you get per pound of weight, and then convert that to whatever "rate" you want to work with )pounds per inch of suspension travel, pounds per degree of roll, etc).

[Invader64]

Thank you knid sir!!

[Invader64]

Found this cool tool!
http://www.auto-ware.com/calcs/swaybar.htm