Adjustable Panhard Bar and Lateral Stiffener Bar installation
Installation was performed on Leo_06GT’s 2006 GT (hardtop, Automatic). Both the panhard bar and lateral stiffener are from Steeda. Leo selected Steeda because of the ‘maintenance free’ bushings that do not require greasing.
Installation time: 1-2 hours (depending on level of experience and tool availability)
Tools/Materials needed: Jack stands (or ramps) Metric sockets (standard depth and deep) – 15mm, 18mm Various length socket extensions Metric wrenches (optional) – 15mm, 18mm Breaker bar (optional, but handy) Torque wrench capable up to 129 lb-ft Loctite Grease Marker pen (or white-out) String Tape Ruler
1. Safely load the rear axle up in the air. Jack stands placed on the outward ends of the axle tubes or the use of car ramps will suffice. Be sure to chock the front tires.
2. Remove the factory panhard bar.
Plastic cover over Drivers side panhard bar attaching bolt.
This bolt is on tight, breaker bar may be required.
Moving to the Passenger side, remove the 18mm bolt and flag nut.
Note: The factory installed Leo’s panhard bolt on the wrong side (per the service manual). The swaybar end link interfered with the removal of the bolt, so the link had to be unbolted from the body to provide the clearance.
Panhard bar removed.
3. Remove the lateral stiffener bar. Drivers side, (2) bolts, 15mm socket.
Passenger side, flag bolt, 18mm deep socket or wrench.
Side-by-Side comparison
4. Install the Steeda lateral stiffener bar. Re-use the factory hardware, install tight. Torque once both ends are in.
Torque (2) Drivers side bolts: 46 lb-ft (1) Passenger side flag bolt: 85 lb-ft
Lateral stiffener bar installed complete.
Note: Ensure clearance between the lateral bar and the exhaust over-axle pipe. If touching (or too close), adjust from the mid-pipe exhaust clamps and/or over-axle clamps.
Note: If the swaybar endlink was removed, re-install it.
5. Install the Steeda adjustable panhard bar. Adjust the length of the Steeda bar to match the factory bar; use factory bolts as a guide.
Note: Steeda bar adjusts at both ends, we opted to center the bar, approximately 4 threads on each end.
Although not in the directions, we used Mobil 1 grease on both sides of the bushing face.
Re-use the factory hardware, install tight. Torque once both ends are in.
Torque: 129 lb-ft (both bolts)
6. Using some string and a weighted object (ie. Socket), rig up a plumb-bob to measure axle shift.
Measure the distance from the string to a fixed section (we used the wheel’s center cap) on both sides to determine which way the axle needs to shift. Loosen both jam nuts on the adj. panhard bar and rotate the bar by hand. You will see the body of the car move as you turn the panhard bar. Center the axle until the distance measured is equal on both sides.
7. Once in the position, Loctite the jam nuts in place to prevent further movement of the bar. (2) wrenches can be used to tighten the jam nut. Note: The Passenger side jam nut may be difficult to access with a wrench.
8. Using a marker or white-out, apply a torque stripe along the jam nut and panhard bar to monitor any slippage or movement. Re-check this mark periodically.
Installation complete!
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Current Status: Blown Motor MMR Street Mod 800 Shortblock Ordered.. yeah, it'll have FORGED internals
Awesome... this 'how to' and all your others are making me think that I could do this install myself when I lower my car in a month or so... I was planning on having a shop do it for $350. (Dspecs and Steeda Ultralites, Adj Panhard, Brace)
A couple questions, anyone who knows can answer:
1. By "lateral stiffener bar" are you talking about the Steeda Panhard Brace? From the pictures it looks the same but I've never heard it called that.
2. Step #6, I think someone on here said using body panels to adjust the panhard was not a good idea. Comments?
< Message edited by timothyrw -- 1/25/2008 1:12:27 PM >
Posts: 384
Joined: 12/24/2006 From: New Orleans,, Louisiana Status: offline
Another great install write up as usual.
Thanks, bill
TASSY5
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2007 Mustang GT Premium Package. Alloy Gray with . CDC Hood supports, Dynamite Sticks sequencial brake lights. MGW shifter 18" Bullits, Cervini's C 300 Kit with side exhaust.. Prothane motor mounts, and OH YEAH, a WHIPPLE HO. 1 Bad ASS SC.
1. By "lateral stiffener bar" are you talking about the Steeda Panhard Brace? From the pictures it looks the same but I've never heard it called that.
2. Step #6, I think someone on here said using body panels to adjust the panhard was not a good idea. Comments?
1. Yes, just going by what the Factory Service Manual calls it.
2. The included Steeda instructions has you set the pandhard bar the same way, by using the rear fender to wheel/tire via string method.
Most people (if not all) add an adjustable panard bar to correct the visual shifting of the rear axle (in relation to the fender lip) when running wider tires and/or lowering it.
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Current Status: Blown Motor MMR Street Mod 800 Shortblock Ordered.. yeah, it'll have FORGED internals
Posts: 537
Joined: 9/30/2006 From: Richmond, VA Status: offline
I have the same setup. Except my has a golden color coating.
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2007GT ATpremium. 4.30 gear,Ford X pipe,Flow Masters,C&L with Diablosport 93 firm shift tune, D spec,Steeda adjustable panhard&brace,sport line,CDC Classic,18x9 FR500 et 24 w/275/40 all around. Daily driven. Less is more johngerber.com
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Steeda Adjustable Panhard Bar and Lateral Stiffener Bar... - 
