Suspension improvements at stock ride height

[j-san]

Thanks for the input, CTScott. Unfortunately, MicroImage has neither the 19mm or 23mm sway bar in stock at this time. I found a TRD sway bar on TRDSparks. Seems the reviews on this unit are quite favorable. Apparently any sway bar in the rear makes a significant improvement over stock for handling.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by j-san

Thanks for the input, CTScott. Unfortunately, MicroImage has neither the 19mm or 23mm sway bar in stock at this time. I found a TRD sway bar on TRDSparks. Seems the reviews on this unit are quite favorable. Apparently any sway bar in the rear makes a significant improvement over stock for handling.

The ultraracing ones that MI sells are really copies of the TRD one, so although it will cost you more it will yield the same effect. If you look through the for sale section on here I swear that there is a whiteline adjustable rear sway bar for sale and possibly a TRD one as well.

[SKurj]

Before spending the money, perhaps try the new wheels and tires first. I have the rr sway bar on my 09 and feel the wheels and tires mebbe your best bang for the buck. Once you have those you may find you are where you want to be and don't need the bar.

[Rigaud]

Originally Posted by SKurj

Before spending the money, perhaps try the new wheels and tires first. I have the rr sway bar on my 09 and feel the wheels and tires mebbe your best bang for the buck. Once you have those you may find you are where you want to be and don't need the bar.

I disagree 100%, the sway bar is by far the best upgrade to purchase on this car. I have a 2009 3 door HB and even though the 205/45R16 did improve the handling by leaps and bounds, the sway bar was a huge difference. No more floating effect on the highway, holds flat and straight. I lowered mine with Tanabe springs by 1.5", the ride over all is quite surprisingly nice. You don't have to lower it but the sway bar in my opinion is a must for stability.

Edit: Some go for exhaust, intake first then wheels, etc... but the ride still suffers.

[tooter]

Originally Posted by j-san

Thanks for the input, CTScott. Unfortunately, MicroImage has neither the 19mm or 23mm sway bar in stock at this time. I found a TRD sway bar on TRDSparks. Seems the reviews on this unit are quite favorable. Apparently any sway bar in the rear makes a significant improvement over stock for handling.

I highly recommend the TRD sway bar. It was one of my first mods. The design is impeccable, as it fits snugly up inside the concave indentation of the rear axle assembly. It also installs in just a few minutes...




I live in a rural area where I need all the ground clearance I can get, and the TRD rear sway bar doesn't hang down to compromise it like the other bars do.

I also spaced out my front wheels 5mm and the rears 10mm for a slightly wider stance, and installed wider 15x7 alloy wheels with wider 195/60 Bridgestone Potenza tires. This particular wheel/tire combination is the same as the stock wheel diameter, and so retains the factory accuracy of the speedometer and odometer.



It handles like a slot car.
Greg

[Rigaud]

Originally Posted by tooter

I highly recommend the TRD sway bar. It was one of my first mods. The design is impeccable, as it fits snugly up inside the concave indentation of the rear axle assembly. It also installs in just a few minutes...




I live in a rural area where I need all the ground clearance I can get, and the TRD rear sway bar doesn't hang down to compromise it like the other bars do.

Greg

Same reason I picked the TRD. No one had them in stock, you can find them on ebay for $165 (+-) plus shipping, got mine including shipping $200.00.

[tooter]

Originally Posted by Rigaud

Same reason I picked the TRD. No one had them in stock, you can find them on ebay for $165 (+-) plus shipping, got mine including shipping $200.00.

Yup... I got mine off of ebay , too.

Greg

[Exiwolfman]

Originally Posted by Rigaud

Same reason I picked the TRD. No one had them in stock, you can find them on ebay for $165 (+-) plus shipping, got mine including shipping $200.00.

wow this is crazy...i so wish i lived with no rust lol cos my sway bar to install required heat on lower shock ...must be nice working on cars that are always clean .

[Rigaud]

Originally Posted by Exiwolfman

wow this is crazy...i so wish i lived with no rust lol cos my sway bar to install required heat on lower shock ...must be nice working on cars that are always clean .

That picture is from Tooters car not mine. ;) I live in the land of road salt, lot's of it!!! I got lucky purchasing a 2009 this January that was mint. It won't see winter roads again. :D