Suspension question 1971 455HO GTO
 

Were the sway bars bigger on the ho cars than standard models? I am in process of tearing down a recent purchase to build back and it just seemed like the front sway bar was much larger than the one that was on my other '71 base model. This was from memory though so I could be, and probably am wrong. TIA

Nope, they are the same size as the 'regular' GTO's. The big bars came on the '72 GTO's with the WW5 option.

Dennis

There was also a stand alone suspension option that provided the bigger sway bars.
Y99 ... iirc
WW5 or Y99 would appear on the Invoice if factory stuff.

Or someone could have upgraded the bars previously also.

I believe the ride and handling package included the larger bars. Judges came with this package, not sure if the 71 455HO's GTO automatically came equipped with it.

The combination of 70-72 GTO front (1 1/8") front sway bar & 1" diam rear bar was not avail until the '72's were introduced.

Y96 Ride & Handling option consisted of stiffer springs, different valves shock absorbers. Am very aquainted with this option. A 70-72 GTO or A-body will set up almost an 1" taller over standard suspension height car when ordered with Y96. Something to think about in a restoration, when about to order new springs

Seems like a huge percentage of '70 & 71 Judge's were optioned with Ride & Handling. On '71 233 series 455 HO cars, similar deal, very high percentage had Y96.
On '71 T-37's, Y96 option also added the next larger size front swaybar. Have to go out & ck, but believe that is the 1" diam front bar, versus a 15/16" diam bar. No rear swaybars on the 71 233's.

That was in regard to the 72 cars like SD455DJ was speaking of.
I lost track that the topic car is actually a 71
From OPH's post , its Y96 on GTO ... not Y99