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Inexpensive front sway bar upgrade

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by toyotechwv, Jun 5, 2012.

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  1. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Just an fyi, no need to spend big money on Cusco and Tanabe bars which are 1mm thicker than stock. Just installed a bar from a 2011 Rav4 Sport on my 2011 for less than $100 new. This bar is 1mm thicker than Prius front bar. Definitely much flatter cornering, much less roll.
     
    #1 toyotechwv, Jun 5, 2012
    DtEW, seckwielen, sfv41901 and 1 other person like this.
  2. bielinsk

    bielinsk Gremlin

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    Interesting, got any pics?
     
    #2 bielinsk, Jun 5, 2012
  3. BreitrthnU

    BreitrthnU Can you smell the premix?

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    Good info thanks for posting. I was lucky enough to get a new tanabe front sway for 73 bucks shipped. Got lucky on fleabay!!!
     
    #3 BreitrthnU, Jun 5, 2012
  4. ikagan

    ikagan Junior Member

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    Paul, did you also use the stock Rav4 swaybar bushings/brackets?
    Do you have the OEM part numbers?
    Thanks.
     
    #4 ikagan, Jun 5, 2012
  5. BlackPrius30

    BlackPrius30 Junior Member

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    For 100 bucks, I rather get aftermarket....
     
    #5 BlackPrius30, Jun 6, 2012
  6. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    I did use the Rav bushings but used the Prius brackets. Install wasn't terrible but the lower control arm on one side has to be unbolted from the cradle to get the bar out. Will get part numbers and post.
     
    #6 toyotechwv, Jun 6, 2012
    WE0H likes this.
  7. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Why, so you can say you bought an aftermarket part instead of factory? Best part about the Rav bar is it looks stock but out performs the original piece. I don't need a Tanabe sticker on my car, ill save every penny I can on upgrades.
     
    #7 toyotechwv, Jun 6, 2012
    abra, WE0H and lensovet like this.
  8. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Now the question is... where could we get an inexpensive rear swaybar from? :)
     
    #8 peterjmc, Jun 6, 2012
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Thanks, Paul!

    I agree. In most cases the OE equipment is better than aftermarket anyway or it is at least reliably built.
     
    #9 F8L, Jun 6, 2012
  10. BreitrthnU

    BreitrthnU Can you smell the premix?

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    If I paid full sticker on a tanabe Id be hurting now. This is a no brainer hopefully for everyone. Dont forget to hit up the junkyards too.
     
    #10 BreitrthnU, Jun 6, 2012
  11. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Nice find. Thx
     
    #11 sfv41901, Jun 7, 2012
  12. bielinsk

    bielinsk Gremlin

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    Was thinking about hitting up some junkyard for this, wow does the PiP sway a lot on turns.

    Is this bar only the Rav 4 Sport? Is that what I should ask if they have?
     
    #12 bielinsk, Jun 7, 2012
  13. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    I was wondering the same. Does the Rav 4 Sport have a thicker sway bar than a non-Sport version?
     
    #13 xliderider, Jun 7, 2012
  14. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    I didn't compare the Sport to the other packages but I'll ask my Parts Dept. and see if the part numbers match.
     
    #14 toyotechwv, Jun 8, 2012
  15. BlackPrius30

    BlackPrius30 Junior Member

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    Aftermarket is thicker? A better upgrade then only 1mm??
     
    #15 BlackPrius30, Jun 9, 2012
  16. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    1mm doesn't sound like much difference, but it does add torsional rigidity over a thinner sway bar. Too much of a good thing is also bad.
     
    #16 xliderider, Jun 9, 2012
  17. rrg

    rrg Active Member

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    What is the part number you purchased?
    I saw different version Rav 4 ones.

    Where did you get it for less than $100?
    A quick picture of it installed from under the car would be nice.
     
    #17 rrg, Jun 12, 2012
  18. Totmacher

    Totmacher Honey Badger don't give a carp

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    #18 Totmacher, Jun 12, 2012
  19. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Bar is 48811-0R010, bushings are 48815-0R010, 48815-0R020. Will try to post a pic later today, installing wheel spacers so ill take some pics while the car is on the rack.
     
    #19 toyotechwv, Jun 15, 2012
    WE0H likes this.
  20. BreitrthnU

    BreitrthnU Can you smell the premix?

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    Any chance you could explain how you got it installed. I tried changing out the front swaybar last weekend with no success. I read somewhere that you have to take off a control arm.
     
    #20 BreitrthnU, Jun 15, 2012
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