Installed my new Hotchkis rear sway bar today. This thing really helps. The rear end is not all over the place anymore and the box has a very flat response now. Kills most of the understeer. It's a pain in the @$$ to get the 2 rear bolts in but once you get past that it's a breeze.

If anyone need to know here are the tools used:

3/8 Drive Ratchet - 9/16th socket

9/16th wrench (the longer the better)

Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up tool

18" inch of string.

ALOT of patience.

 

have you hit any twisties with it?

 

Actually yes I went for a drive and hit a few exit ramps. All I can say is DAY & NIGHT difference. This thing will stick in a hard turn like you wouldn't believe. Never thought the box would handle like this.

 

I just got my bar today too and installed it right away. I love it so far.

It sure is a pain in the ___ to install those two bolts though! I managed to do it without a magnet by tying a string REALLY low down on the bolt. I also didn't think I'd have to take my wheels off but it would have been nearly impossible I think if I hadn't.

I'm gonna go test out some onramps tonight!

 

that looks hella beefy. Same thickness as the Progress and TRD now.

I wonder why they didn't use flag nuts, it would've been easier to install.

 

yep i need it haha! Probably be ordering it from ya (Josh trd sparks) in a month or so when i get settled down in myrtle beach!

 

Actually it's bigger that the Progress and TRD. The bar is 24mm and the plates on the end are like 4X thicker. This really is a nice piece.

 

hmmm look like i might be going with the the hotchikis instead......

 

I'm waiting for FedEx to deliver mine.

 

Fedex finally delivered it. It's a PITA it is to install the front two bolts. Took me about an hour to install. I ended up using a wire taped to the tip of the front bolts to feed them through.

 

I feel you pain. I actually used 20 gauge speaker wire. lol I think with the right tools it would be alot easier.

 

Today must be national drive your car slow day. I'm impressed with it, corners flat on stock suspension/wheeels and tires. It's worth the pain. I'll provide more input after more seat /driving time.

I was going to buy the progress from partsshippers, but they never have them in stock. Great price from TRDSPARKS!!! Thanks....

 

You are welcome!

 

do you have these rear bars in stock?

 

We sure do! In stock and ready to ship out.

 

I have a free T-shirt and hat to the first person that posts a pic of their sway bar installed! E-mail me your mailing address at doliver@hotchkis.net

 

Yupper, I ordered the bar and strut brace. The page says toyota on it, but when I recieved it, its the same manufacture stampped on it as the sway bar. I installed my hot... rear sway bar and strut support. Took me 2 1/2 hours in the parking lot of an advance auto, but got it done. THe car feels a bit firmer and I do not have to make so many minute corrections while driving down the road like I did after I got a few hundred miles on my car. I havent tried any twistie roads yet, not a good idea this afternoon with all the traffic around.

 

Cool man let us know how that thing handles!

 

why are you posing as Josh...don't have your own account?

 

Ummm.... Slightly confused here... :-) This IS my login.

Jamie