j-bar -vs- straight bar ??????

[racinjason29]

I have a Rayburn swingarm that currently has a straight bar. What would the straight bar do -vs- what a j-bar would do. Whats the difference in handling, and what are some suggestions? Im new to latemodels so if you need more info on the current setup of the car just ask, thanks in advance!

[7uptruckracer]

The shorter bar will gain dynamic angle or rake quicker. More and quicker hike or roll over

[Matt49]

7up is correct assuming we are talking short bar mounted from the left side of the pinion to the left side of the chassis.
This can be a good setup for stop and go race tracks. Car will rotate quickly because of the sudden rear steer and have good LR bite coming off because of the way the bar loads the rear end.

[7uptruckracer]

You normally have to run less static rake when you set it up because that short bar does gain rake a lot quicker! Good luck!

[racinjason29]

I run typically on small 1/4 -3/8 tracks. Tight corners, so the straight bar would be a better choice for these tracks? The bar is mounted on the left side of the chassis to the left side of the pinion plate. What happens when I move it up and down on the chassis or pinion plate?

[abe_05]

If you are running pull bar, you will have to pay close attention to pinion angle and keeping rearend in same spot (left to right). Measure from brake rotor to bolt mount at swing arm on frame. Unless you have the updated new pull bar mount that Rayburn has come out with. If not, I would highly reccomend looking at updating and changing to new pull bar system.

[Matt49]

I run typically on small 1/4 -3/8 tracks. Tight corners, so the straight bar would be a better choice for these tracks? The bar is mounted on the left side of the chassis to the left side of the pinion plate. What happens when I move it up and down on the chassis or pinion plate?

It could work great but some of this is driving style preference. The short bar is VERY quick to react to lateral weight transfer.
Adjustments follow the same general rules as any lateral locating device that is somewhat controlling rear roll center...to a point...too much angle and you'll have your hands full.

[Matt49]

Good question from abe on your lift-bar vs. pull bar situation. I assumed lift bar (not sure why since you didn't say in the OP).

After re-reading your OP, I see "new to late models". Unless you have been in a modified previously, I would recommend doing what you can to SLOW down the action of the car until you get used to it. A longer bar (j-bar) would do that for you.

I'm certainly no expert on Rayburns so some other guys on here can help set you straight on setup but IMO a short bar is going to be a bit of a shock if you're new to the seat of a late model.

Get yourself a good baseline from some of these Rayburn guys on your overall setup and go from there but like I said, the short bar is going to be VERY touchy. Good luck!

[old17ford]

I have a Rayburn swingarm that currently has a straight bar. What would the straight bar do -vs- what a j-bar would do. Whats the difference in handling, and what are some suggestions? Im new to latemodels so if you need more info on the current setup of the car just ask, thanks in advance!

What about a straight bar from right side of pinon to right side of frame ?

[twisterf5]

What about a straight bar from right side of pinon to right side of frame ?

i built a stock clip car and ran one like that behind rear at 10 degrease down at frame worked good until the sorry a tec banned it. the strait bar on left can be very violent when getting into the corner not something you should try at first. stay with the j-bar.

[95rayburn]

Twisterf5. What do u mean by violent in the corner. Would u use the straight bar on a dry slick track

[7uptruckracer]

Violent because a short bar makes a tighter arc then a long bar so the car can roll up very very quickly and react very quickly so you can run into the combo of too much static rake combined with how quickly it can gain rake the car can react so quickly that its not beneficial to use and not consistent. Definitely use a suspension limiter.

[twisterf5]

Violent because a short bar makes a tighter arc then a long bar so the car can roll up very very quickly and react very quickly so you can run into the combo of too much static rake combined with how quickly it can gain rake the car can react so quickly that its not beneficial to use and not consistent. Definitely use a suspension limiter.

yep that be it. broke a j-bar mount on pinion a couple of years ago just before our feature did not have another one so we put the strait bar on at a long 1/2 mile track the first corner was a hand full almost rolled it over. it also changes roll center the bad thing with it is if you hit a hole going in you will regret having it on. i always carry one as a back up it it would be a last resort for me to use one.

[ev36rayburn]

We ran straight bar on our rayburns for several years before switching chassis brands, but, it worked great and helped our car tremendously. Just keep your angles to a minimum and def use a chain to limit travel etc.

[racinjason29]

the car currently has a chain on the left rear to limit travel and the bar doesnt have alot of angle, if I switch to j-bar, should I remove the chain? Also I am on the new pull bar set up, my Rayburn has all the 2012 updates