Z Bar Assembly

Z Bars are sometimes called equalizers, bellcranks

or shaft w/levers. (That's what GM calls them in

some of 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 ended the use of leather

and felt washers, to limit the lateral movement.

Exploded View

The frame side is assembled from the lever out

like this (right to left):

1. Nylon bushing against machined lip

(cupped side out)

2. Ballstud

3. Nylon bushing (cupped side in)

4. Spring clip

5. Felt washer

6. Frame bracket

7. Lock washer

8. 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.