tried sway w/ no drop?

[MAVibe]

Anybody out there in Vibeland tried a full swaybar set-up w/out the spring drop? I'm considering maintaining stock clearance for New England terrain but wish to gain as much as I can w/ handling...

[harryyiii]

I plan to install the rear sway bar before I add springs at a later date. I believe that a front swaybar replacement is a waste. Front wheel drive in general and the Vibe in particular understeer. A front swaybar adds understeer. A rear swaybar removes understeer and can potentially add oversteer, but I don't believe that it will with the vibe. I had three prior front wheel drive cars all with considerably less understeer than the Vibe. The rear will be a much easier job than the front, assuming you can get your hands on a 150# torque wrench. Only two bolts, and about $100 bucks. You can always add springs later if you change your mind.

[Lancer]

Quote, originally posted by harryyiii », assuming you can get your hands on a 150# torque wrench.Got mine @ Advanced Auto for like $35. The real problem is finding the leverage under the car.

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by MAVibe »Anybody out there in Vibeland tried a full swaybar set-up w/out the spring drop? ..Yup. I had almost every possible combination on mine. Rear bar only, front and rear bars, then front and rear bars with Hotchkis springs. Rear bar alone made some improvement, but adding the front bar made the most dramatic difference. Springs definately made another improvement, but not as dramatic as the front bar. Harry, yes I believe you are right in theory a stiffer front bar alone may add understeer, but not quite sure that's the case. A stiffer bar allows both front tires to share the workload more than a light bar which demands more from the outside tire alone. Believe me, or anyone else who has installed a front bar, it definately makes an improvement. I didn't drive mine with the Hotchkis front bar and stock rear to see how it handled though.If you are thinking of putting on the front bar yourself, here's a walk-through with pics. Front bar installAnd a: Rear bar install

[dallarosaj]

The front and rear sway add alot of handling, I think that it better then the stock setup. I do have to agree with the front sway bar it does take alot of time to install, but the end result is great. Hotchkis makes a great set up for the vibe.