Considering that the rear axle and trailing arms are a unit, I was skeptical on the effectiveness of a RSB/RASB. But based on what I've read in the archives I thought the odds were in my favor.

I purchased a used Addco bar and installed it yesterday. I was planning to install it this weekend but I couldn't wait.

The brackets were preassembled for me. However The flat brackets were mismatched with each respective "U" and "[" bolts. With the help of the search function, I was able to find "meezer"s writeup of which brackets go with which bolt (Thanks search! Thanks meezer!). I didn't have instructions but it was pretty straightforward.

It took about 35 minutes by myself. I prepped the swaybar fasteners and lubed the bushings with some leftover Energy Suspension polyurethane lube and installed the bar onto the rear suspension. I installed the axle bushings/brackets as close to the bend as possible, and the trailing arm bushings/brackets as far away from the bar end as possible. It was a piece of cake.

Surface street impressions: While on a road thats in the process of repavement (old asphalt cut up), I noticed that the rear suspension is quieter than before. The rear supension oscillated a lot less (something I can feel as well as hear)when going over botts dots and misc road imperfections. The ride is smoother! This is totally contrary to what I've read from the majority of other people's reviews in here. (Am I the only one that thinks the ride is improved by the Addco?)

I drove about 40 mph and started slaloming. The bar definitely kept the sway in check. I made a few hard corners and the tires did not squeal like pigs. The lean was acceptable. I am satisfied of the improvements the Addco bar made at lower speeds.

On the highway, the car feels more substantial. My steering feels heavier (I like) and smoother (I really like) ; the front end isn't upset by rear suspension oscillations like it was prior to the Addco install. The car feels more hunkered down.

Last night I drove the same route I take to work. When I approached the first sweeping curve.... OMG. The car was/felt soooo stable! In Downtown LA, I was traveling eastbound on the I-10 heading to the I-110N interchange. The transition to the I-110 north is a descending "S" curve- a large left curve followed by a sharp right curve. While storming to the interchange I passed a guy in a silver 2K Miata. We approached the interchange together. He took the inside lane (left) while I took the outside (right). We were side-by-side on the first curve. When the sharp right-curve approached, I was a bit nervous because I didn't have enough time to familiarize myself to the new handling dynamics. We tackled the curve at the same time and exited side-by side! My knuckles turned back to normal skin color and I had a huge on my face. The car gripped tenaciously and the tires did not squeal at all. That guy had this "WTF?!?!" look on his face. At any rate, I had full control and my confidence level skyrocketed. I am VERY satisfied with the improvements my Addco made on the highway.

In my experience there are NO drawbacks to purchasing the Addco bar. Its cheaper than new, its a lot less than Stillen, and every aspect of the car is improved! If you don't have a RSB/RASB installed you're missing out!!!

 

Cliffnotes:

Addco = goooooooood!

 

I read the whole thing though. Nice write up. I love my addco as well.

 

Where did you get your sway bar? I live in SoCal, di you get it locally?

Thanks

 

Addco RSB is nice, addco with kyb agx and sprint springs, even nicer!

 

i'm also happy with my addco rsb.

 

Addco ... Goood...install eassssyyy ..price loooowwww.

Stillen only higher profile IMHO but more trouble to mount from the way it looks...I have done several sway bar installs now and it is second nature...word of advice though...it helps to remove the wheels...at least on all teh ones I did...there are bound to be some bruised knuckles afterwards...I got my first one from www.Shox.com

 

custommaxima.com

 

I bought it from an .org member that lives across the country. Everything was in good condition. It was a good deal too.

Check the FS forum.





I don't mean to sound ghey but after the Addco install I fell in love with my car all over again. Hopefully I will get similar results when I my pair my stock springs with KYB AGX dampers -better (or at least equal) ride plus better handling.

 

Yeah, its much easier with the wheels off. I couldn't imagine installing the passenger-side trailing arm bracket with the exhaust pipe and a wheel/tire in the way.

 

you know what's worst than not having a addco sway bar??????


Having it sitting in your room cause you're too lazy to go to a dam shop and have someone put it in for you (can't do it on my own...no tools)

 

Shox.com is in El Cajon.
You can have them deliver to Dave Turners in Kearny Mesa if it's
more convenient for you that way.

 

i got mine from custom maxima. Look him up...he got lots of parts for maxima's

 

i installed my Addco RSB by myself. it's not as hard as you think. but i did use ramps to raise my car to have some room to do the install. at stock height i was very satisfied with the RSB and FSTB. i guess you can say i'm still happy with my suspension even though my car is lowered now...

 

dude take a ride up to ny today, i will install it for you...im like 80 miles north of NYC....or i will drive down if your close enough maybe.....

 

Note to Addco users:

When pushing it hard thru a long, sweeping curve, be sure not to let off the gas too much. I did it today and nearly lost control cuz the rear end started to swing out in the opposite direction.

The RSB *will* give you oversteer in the right (or wrong) circumstances. I.E.: When you transfer weight to the front in a turn (slowing down)... watch out for that. I've taken this particular turn before without the RSB and there was no hint of oversteer whatsoever, just couldn't go as fast before.

 

1) Read this: https://maxima.org/shoptalk/sub_modi...sb/index.shtml

2) Go to Sears or any hardware store.

3) Pick up a set of wrenches.

4) Also pick up a torque wrench.

5) Go home.

6) Put the RSB on.


Putting on the RSB does not involve any moajor work. If you have half a brain, you can put it on. The weather is getting nice out. Spend some quality time with your car and don't let some greasy mechanic touch your car. Especially when it's something as easy as putting on a RSB.

 

I agree, just do it. I helped a friend put one on a while back and it's easy. My friend (who has absolutely no experience at all) was able to do it all by himself, while I sat out on a lawnchair and told him what to do.

Now I just wish I had the money to buy one for my car...

 

If you divert the money from paying mechanic labor charges to purchasing a set of tools (ratchet wrench, sockets, extensions, boxed wrenches, floor jack + jackstands, etc), your "investment" will pay back in the long run. Plus your attention to detail will be infinitely greater than the mechanic's so the job will always be done right (to the best of your ability, of course). If the stabilizer bar is off-centered on the beam I'm sure the mechanic will go ahead and tighten those bolts down anyway .