Stock sway bars vs stiff sway bars for lifted subie

theczar

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Joined
Jun 21, 2013
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3
Hi guys...

After sifting through the forums for a while, I couldn't find the answer I was looking for. I have an 07 Forester with 1" springs and 2" body lift, and popped on some bigger tyres as well. After about 6 months like this, the handling feels a lot looser and top-heavy...making roundabouts interesting :ebiggrin:. Feels like I'm driving a boat! While it was in the shop for a realignment, the mechanic said my sway bar probably needed replacing.

So, my question is...should I replace them with stock parts, or should I opt for a stiffer sway bar and end links?

I drive probably 95% on road normally, but I'm planning a big central-Australia road trip that will cross some desert tracks (namely the oodnadatta track) and I want to make sure my rig is up to snuff!

Will a stiffer way bar and upgraded end links improve handing with a lift kit installed...or should I just replace the stock one?

Thanks!!
 
As you're driving mostly on road or "flat" tracks, you can put a stiffer sway bar and maybe add some disconnect able end links for more severe off road.

If you're looking for a more "oversteering" Foz, you can upgrade the rear sway bar for a stiffer one.

And welcome too !
 
I'm running front and rear strut braces which made a huge difference through the corners and general stability. I also have a 22mm rear swaybar(vs the standard SF 10mm) with upgraded rear end links. Corners much better than a standard forester, even when pushed through the corners.

Just don't over push it otherwise there is a chance it'll roll :iconwink:

The difference is night and day... worth the effort in my opinion.
 
Thanks for the info guys!

I have more questions:

- Sounds like it is more beneficial for handling to upgrade just the rear sway bar...so if i were to upgrade, should I opt for just the rear one or get both replaced?

- What if I just replaced my end links? I get a lot of clunking right now, and 3 of my 4 links are bent. I plan on upgrading these anyway, but how much of a difference would it make if I left the stock sways on with upgraded links?
 
Also...I see a lot of people replace their own end links at home. I'm always a bit nervous trying to do work on my car at home (I'm not much of a gearhead) and I'm worried that if I get them off, I won't be able to get the new ones back on :( Can someone answer my dumb question: with a lift installed and changed suspension geometry, can I still replace my end links at home without issue?
 
When you say bodylift do you mean everywhere or just the 4 strut tops?

If you have 3" extra strain on your swaybar it won't be easy to refit. If you have subframes spaced down 2" (effectively 1" extra strain on swaybar) you shouldn't have too much problem.

Welcome to ORS.

Edit: changes in swaybar size can make a huge change to your handling, make changes in the smallest increments possible. Lift off oversteer in the '07 is already pretty mean and with a stiffer rear bar it could bite pretty bad if you weren't expecting it.
 
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theczar said:
Thanks for the info guys!

I have more questions:

- Sounds like it is more beneficial for handling to upgrade just the rear sway bar...so if i were to upgrade, should I opt for just the rear one or get both replaced?

- What if I just replaced my end links? I get a lot of clunking right now, and 3 of my 4 links are bent. I plan on upgrading these anyway, but how much of a difference would it make if I left the stock sways on with upgraded links?
Click to expand...

You could only upgrade the rear.

Changing the links won't make any difference except that they wouldn't be bent anymore !
 
I am beginning to wonder if I have accidentally gone on to a WRX forum and not an off road forum! Upgrading links and sway bars? Each to their own, but I'll stick to my standard set up because I reckon it works really well out of the box. I guess the answer is to ask what are you expecting from your car? Left connected, the bigger sway bar will reduce further the suspension droop in off road conditions
 
If you get a stiffer rear swaybar you will need to upgrade the mounts as well as brace the lateral link or they WILL snap. It's not a maybe, it's just a matter of time.

IMG_20140201_144902_zpsrjys4bfn.jpg


IMG_20140201_153403_zpsa3pv4z7g.jpg


IMAG0810.jpg



IMAG0811.jpg
 
I have a whiteline front strut brace and an upgraded rear sway bar on my foz. was bought that way. both of my rear sway bar mounts snapped on a moderate off road track (Same as the second to last piccy above) and were replaced with the new ones. i havent even had time to look at the new ones (EOFY :( ) but i am told they are a lot stronger than the standard ones.

My foz is getting 2 inch block as well as some slightly larger rubber and i am expecting a reduction in handling...its a 4x4! I will be leaving the upgraded sway bar and strut brace on but fitting quick release links. Compromise but IMO best of both worlds!
 
Venom said:
lefty what sway bar mounting bracket?/thingy is that from?
Click to expand...

They look like Whiteline Foz RSB mount brackets. There have been cases of them snapping too with 22mm RSBs, quality is questionable. Another option is to reinforce the existing brackets, something I'll be doing it when I have time.

Doug86 said:
My foz is getting 2 inch block as well as some slightly larger rubber and i am expecting a reduction in handling...its a 4x4! I will be leaving the upgraded sway bar and strut brace on but fitting quick release links. Compromise but IMO best of both worlds!
Click to expand...

Doesnt just improve articulation, it will help you to not snap things: lateral link bracket, swaybar mount bracket, endlinks. These dont like the strain of full, opposite articulation, ie, one wheel full up, the other full down.

Stock Foz RSB is 14mm. A good upgrade is rear only to 20mm. 22mm will decrease body roll more but really stresses all those components plus, as mentioned, lift off oversteer may be a bit savage esp in the wet. I'd recommend a stock WRX GDB (GC8 similar to SF Foz; GDB similar to SG Foz). These are pretty cheap on sites like Rexnet, I got mine for $100 but prob paid too much
 
NachaLuva said:
I'd recommend a stock WRX GDB (GC8 similar to SF Foz; GDB similar to SG Foz). These are pretty cheap on sites like Rexnet, I got mine for $100 but prob paid too much
Click to expand...

yes I am running a GDB STi 19mm bar. got it for $25 :ebiggrin:
The stock SG Foz is 17mm so you think 2mm difference isn't much but the STi bar is solid and feels much heavier than the 17mm.

Venom said:
lefty what sway bar mounting bracket?/thingy is that from?
Click to expand...

Whiteline. also comes in 22 and 24mm sizes
https://www.whiteline.com.au/product_detail4.php?part_number=KBR18-20
 
I would try a front strut brace first, simple fast and relatively cheap/simple to put on.

Keep in mind as soon as you go higher or have larger side walls on your tyres that will increase centre of gravity and increased body roll becomes an inevitable consequence (unless you have concrete pillars on each corner)

Before changing over sway bars it is probably easier to get adjustable length sway bar end links which can allow correct adjustment of the sway bar to ensure it engages at the right spot, prevent preload etc, as soon as you go to larger sways bars at one end or the other the cars balance under cornering for under steer/oversteer will change significantly.
The current setup has the coz close to balanced with a little under steer (typically less scary for people to handle versus oversteer).
Not sure what shocks/spring combination you have but the dampening rate is not matched to the spring then cornering is also more challenging as you get more bounce and thus the feeling of body roll.

Maybe your mechanic meant you needed new D bushes on the sway bar so it is not so sloppy (the rubber bushes do not last forever). I know new D bushes improved handling on mine a few years back.
 
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