I mentioned in another thread my concern about some "twitchy" behavior I experienced on the highway the other night. This was high-speed driving on interstate 95. Having driven it a few more times at speed -- I notice it is most pronounced on rough roads -- but still noticeable on smooth. I can see how a rear sway bar is going to help -- wondering about the front strut tower. So many small cars have these -- the links I see are for the GII - but they sell them for the GIII. I'm wondering if I may be getting some front flexing and it is changing the geometry.
On my Gen2, the tunnel brace made the biggest improvement to reduce the twitchy movement on the highway. The strut tower brace improved the issues relating to heavy cornering.
I did check to make sure the tire pressure was correct - and I am doing some research into the different rear sway bars available. What is a tunnel brace?
In my experience it does better with 42psi front/ 38psi rear. Most people overinflate rears/underinflate fronts and that aggravates problem With respect to swaybar there are 2 TRD options, one for 2008+ xB and another from Prius+ package. They appear the same diameter, just different color red vs white. Both ~$240 and ~30min to install. Of cause the STB will help too it lessens front flex and makes controlling easier, but air pressure + swaybar would have more impact. STB install takes ~2hr at leisurely pace You can also add lowering springs, ~$200+ they will make difference too. But they are not 30min to install good luck
Cusco offers a mid-vehicle power brace (look about half-way down the page): List of Cusco parts for new Toyota Prius English page CUSCO I have it and like it. It's especially good for eliminating little squeaks, particularly from the back hatch.
I just got my front strut brace & 2-point chassis brace from Amazon today. My buddy at Toyota also called me to let me know that my rear sway bar arrived today.
do you have a ramp? it is much easier to install swaybar with back on the ramp. also don't forget to load strut bar, otherwise it won't work. Front should be lifted to the point the wheels start sliding but not completely off the ground good luck
yes, I do have ramps. I've added the RSB & FSB on my Corolla & several other Toyotas too. The results were fantastic on mt 09 Corolla so I'm looking forward to getting these installed.
Yes, and also tighten the STB after some time. I have about 3k since installing the STB and the bar needs its preload adjustment again-- its now somewhat loose. For the rear, the easiest way to install is as follows: 1) Lift car and Remove rear tires 2) Remove bolts to rear shocks. 3) Slide rear shocks out. 4) Do install of bar, end links, etc. 5) REinstall shocks with bolts finger tight 6) Lower car and torque shock bolts.
With a little patience, it isn't necessary to unbolt the lower shock mounts. I teased the nuts onto the rear sway bar links thru an existing gap in the trailing arm. And I have big hands.
How did you tighten the end links tightly? IIRC that spot is too tight to fit a socket ; I guess a wrench may fit but it would not give you much room to swing. MB860 ?
I tightened them with a closed-end wrench inserted thru a hole in the top of the control arm. I spun them on with my fingers until finger-tight, then it didn't take much to finish with the wrench.
This is one of the many threads inspiring me to really consider doing some suspension mods. I have been thinking about doing some and have some concerns. Are the shocks/springs and 17" rims required? I was just thinking about doing the following: 1. Strut tower brace 2. Under brace 3. Front Sway bar 4. Rear sway bar Can someone rank these 4 items in the the amount of impact it has on drivability? Thanks!
I have a Gen2. I've done all of the above except the Front-sway bar. Everything is a HUGE thumbs up in its own way. The rear-bar is probably the most exciting, but not doing the others won't get you the full potential.
