Which way to go is better?

Was getting TRD rear sway bar and TRD Front strut bar on new 2012.

Hotchkis a better way to go? Do you need the TRD front strut bar with Hotchkis kit?

Thanks

 

Removing the front sway bar to install the hotckis one I hear is a pita. I'd go TRD rear sway bar with trd front strut brace but im biased.

 

1st I'd like to say I don't have a sway bar just yet, soon though. I just picked up my xb and have been researching the brands you're asking about. It looks like trd (1st version)and Hotckis are the samething. Personally I'd go with Hotckis because I believe they're cheaper. I'd also try to reinforce the side mounting tabs by welding on another tab on each side of the bar itself and welding in a metal tube connecting both tabs, then run longer stronger bolts. This should hopefully prevent the breaking issues folks are having. I know most people don't know how to weld and/or have access to welding equipment like myself, so you would have to look around for a good machine shop. With the extra cost of parts and labor I feel it would still be cheaper than buying a brand new trd sway bar.
This is just my opinion and the route I intend to take and by no means fact.

 

Not a pain at all. Actually pretty simple. Done it twice now. First time was a learning experience, second time was cake.


I've been running the Hotchkis sways since 2008. Good product.

 

Not even close to the same thing. Size of welds & weld quality is significantly better on the Hotchkis rear mounting tabs. It is also my understanding that the V1 TRD bar was a heavier thinner solid bar, and the Hotchkis rear bar is stiffer, larger diameter, lighter weight, hollow tube round bar.

The revised Version 2 TRD rear bar is now so expensive that it doesn't cost a whole lot more for the Hotchkis matched set.

 

I stand corrected I was going off of the pictures I had.

 

No problem, just trying to help with some accurate info. Hopefully it helps your decision, as well as others.

 

That's what is so nice about forums, you're not always the first one to try everything.

Can save yourself money and time.

Thanks a bunch everyone.

 

Ordered Hotchkis front and rear sway bar kit today.

Instead of TRD rear sway bar only.

 

If you need any help, or have any questions regarding install, post away! Make sure your bushings in the front are pointed the correct way, and make sure the sway bar itself is right-side up. Both are mistakes I have made.

 

I'll keep that in mind.Thanks,

Anyone, Please post any pics or tips that will help with install.

 

You don't say...





Just having a little fun at your expense Cam, no offense intended.

 

None at all. That was a mistake I'd never make again. Second install, on my buddy's xB, we had a mod-meet. Where most of us pitched in on the work. I didn't get to personally oversee what everyone was doing, just most of it. I didn't pay close enough attention to how the bushings were being installed on the front. Car had a clunking on the passenger's side. I pulled the bar down, flipped the bushings around, done.

 

Hotchkis swaybar kit + ebay strut tower bar = in the twisties.

 

plus with that ebay bar you pockets will be lighter as well with just looks to show for it....

 

Eh, my eBay strut bar made a fairly drastic difference in steering response, as well as the way the car feels during turn in. Plus it only cost me $30.00 :D

Of course, I only drive this road (and surrounding roads) every other day:


So, what would I know about steering input/feedback, body roll, or turn in,and how certain suspension mods affect a car I drive every day...

Apologies for the rant (with pictures), I have had a biit too much coffee today.

 

IF its not a MAJOR brand like CUSCO or GT SPEC then its a waste of money no matter what was spent especially if it came from EBAY.....

 

I gotta disagree with the major brand thing. So long as the bar doesn't have any joints you should be good to go, besides I doubt 99% of the people that drive an xb2 will really hit the corners hard enough for the strut bars to really be noticed. The sway bars on the other hand is a different story. In the end imo a strut bar is for looks for most owners, but if someone feels that they can sense the slightest minute steering change then that's fine. Out of all the cars I've had that had strut bars ( 2 f/r, 1 had a c pillar too) I can honestly say that I couldn't tell much of a difference.

 

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...+review+thread

yup, total waste of money. Especially seeing how everything I have bought and reviewed from ebay is still working flawlessly .

A stb won't really make a noticeable difference unless you regularly drive your car in a "spirited" manner.

OP: definitely grab the Hotchkis swaybars if you can. Paired with the Hotchkis springs, it feels like a completely different car!

 

I have used john hotchkis products on several of mine as well as customers cars. When the time came to put swaybars on our xb, the choice was simple! The best choice! Put in the front sway bar in was a piece of cake. Took less than an hour to do both bars.