I'm getting ready to order my springs, but I'm not sure which bar to go with (if I don't do both). I don't want the ride to get too stiff, but I would also love to do all the installs at once.

So, what's the recommendation (especially from folks who've got these parts)?

Thanks!

 

You should search. I've explained the differences between these two a number of times. The sway bar is what you want for better handling.

 

The sway/strut bars are easy installs by themselves and aren't involved enough that you must get them installed all at once. In fact, if you're getting your springs done, to save on future labor, consider if you'll want to get shocks or struts as you may as well get all those installed at once.

I'd suggest you get your springs first and then see how you like the handling characteristics. If it understeers more than you'd like, then consider the rear sway bar.

 

I recently installed TRD springs then a week later installed the strut bar. IMO the strut bar was a waste of $$. The springs, on the other hand, definately are worth the $$ (purchased from McGeorge and self installed)

The Hotchkis strut bar seems to be too flimsy to provide any real support to the strut towers, especially if car's manuvering puts compression forces on the bar. I can grab the center of the bar and flex it rather easily. Mine is just a daily driver (on/off ramps & twisties where I can find them) so there might be some value on the track, YMMV.

The sway bar would be a better value IMO

 

After looking into everything (and taking comments into account), it looks like springs, then sway, and if needed strut.

Thanks everyone! :D

 

Does anyone else make strut bars for the TC?

 

A lot of the scion advocates are telling me that the strut bar would have more of a benefit in handling than the sway bar since it's a FWD. I'm not too sure about that though.

 

They are wrong. I think I've explained why that's wrong elsewhere.

 

corolla and matrix guys (both fwd cars) have noticed more differences from their rear sway bars than their strut tower bars.