Someone on newscionxb.com asked for the rear install instructions so I did a DIY on the rear sway bar as well...

Overall it was pretty easy. It took me about 20 minutes with taking pictures.

The sway bar does come with instructions, but I still thought this would help. It does recommend jacking up the XB, but I just laid on the floor in my garage. Anyway, on with the install.

Tools required: 13 mm and 17mm wrench. Socket set with 13mm and 17mm socket. Otherwise all hardware is included.

The first step is to reverse the bolts at the base of the rear struts.


If you were to jack up the vehicle, the struts would be fully extended, but I didn't really find it to be a problem just holding them in place when I flipped the bolts. This next picture shows the bolt flipped(Note this is the driver's side, and that the bolt should be facing the middle of the XB).


Install one end of the sway bar and finger tighten the nut.


Repeat on the other side.


Next, the instructions say to place the mounting bracket on the rear crossmember 9.5" inches from each end.


Then put the rubber bushings over the sway bar.


Push the sway bar with bushings as far into the crossmember as you can. You will then "clamp" it in place with the bracket. I recommend starting with the rear, as it is much easier to hold into place this way. On the driver's side, you'll need a 13mm wrench since there isn't enough room to get a socket on it.


This is what it will look like when the bracket is tightened.


The last thing to do is just tighten both bolts that mount the struts, and you are done.


I did this with the combination of the front strut tower brace. It did stiffen the suspension considerably, but there is a bit of body roll still. My hope is that when I install the TRD springs, the majority of body roll will be gone. I hope this helps. -H9

 

great write up! thanks!

 

Nice job!

 

Awesome pics, I'm fairly certain I'll be able to do this based on memory now.

I'm just as hopeful that this plus the lowering springs will help the body roll. I came into this thing from a Mitsu 3000GT and the body roll is just too much for me. I can't bear going over speed bumps. Now I know how a ragdoll feels when it's tossed around. :-/

 

I hear you, I came from an Evo, and miss it every time I drive. So far I did the sway bar and the strut tower brace, and it does handle better. Body roll however, isn't gone. I'll be ordering TRD struts and springs soon, which I'm sure will help a little. Part of the problem is the factory wheels/tires, so I'm sure those will be going as soon as spring rolls around

 

Did you reverse the bolts? The instructions state that the bolt heads should be towards the middle.

Thanks in advance.

 

I did, and I'm guessing there is some logic behind that, but I honestly can't say that it would affect anything either way

 

I don't think that it would make a difference either. Maybe it would rub some really WIDE wheels.

 

I just did the trd springs this past weekend and it reduced that horrible body roll by alot! This is my next mod once income tax comes around. :D

 

I agree, I have the trd shocks and springs, and now I'm happy with the way it handles

 

Looking good, sway bars are usually a simple install. Great detailed photos, good job keep up the good work.

 

I haven't installed the front bar or rear sway yet, waiting for Tanabe to release theirs. Also, another add-on, cheap too, Tanabe will have their 2 point under brace available in 2months or so.

Only suspension i have are the Tanabe DF's.

 

2 pt. under brace? Is this anything like the hotchkis front sway? I'm interested, but think it might be overkill and not really help the understeering situation

 

Nah, bro. Totally different.

http://www.tanabe-usa.com/other/files/221_img2.jpg

 

Hmm first time I've seen something like that, does it really make a difference?

 

Like the 2 pt. Underbrace. Need some red parts there too!
Would installing the sway bar with the rear wheels off the ground not put more stress on the sway bar after the car is back on the ground? Resulting in increased stiffness?

 

I wonder how effective this is.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking... Cause there's a crossmember right in front of it.

 

anyone know how difficult the front sway install is?

 

front sway like the hotchkis? or do you mean the front strut tower brace?