GM Z-BARS
Z Bars are sometimes called
equalizers, bellcranks
or just plain levers.
(That's what GM calls them
in
their parts catalogs and Manuals.)
Typical Z Bar Assembly
From about 1958 on up GM used a multipiece
frame side ball stud "joint". This incorporated
two (2) nylon seats that are captured in the main
beam or pipe of the assembly. This allows for
the swivel action of the equalizer and some mis-
alignment. This system ends the metal to metal
contact on the frame end and limits the lateral
movement that had to be present in earlier designs.
Exploded view
The frame side is assembled from the lever out like this:
- Nylon bushing against machined lip (cupped side out)
- Ballstud
- Nylon bushing (cupped side in)
- Spring clip
- Felt washer
- Frame bracket
- Lock washer
- Nut
Loosely assembled frame side
With new nylon bushings installed this unit is tight with virtually no metal to metal contact'
Spring clip groove
This machined groove and the spring retainer locks the frame side pivot assembly together.
