I've got a question about just how many mounting places are on my car. I drive an '08 Ford Focus S Coupe with a FRPP suspension kit, which improved handling quite a bit, but I'd like to be a bit more stable around turns. I'm looking at FSWerks' site and I'm a little confused on the matter, because they've got upper and lower front stress bars, and a rear stress bar. They've also got front and rear sway bars. Now, my question(s) is/are: Are there places to mount all of those on my car, or would I have to choose one over the other when it comes to the underside of my car? Would it be overkill to install them all, if possible? What would the difference be between only installing one over the other? Would having all three stress bars be about the same as having both front and rear sway bars? [scratch] I read on another post that the 2011 has sway bars from the factory? Is that just for that year, or do I have sway bars that I'm not aware of as well? [???:)] HELP?

You should have a front sway bar but may not have a rear sway bar (some base model foci were not equipped with the rear). It's readily apparent if you have one by simply looking under the rear of the car. If you don't know what you're looking for or what they do I strongly recommend that you take a step back, do some studying, and familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each before you start bolting things on.

Suspension tuning starts with good tires, then shocks, springs, a proper alignment, and then fine tuning with sway bars. With regards to sway bars, bigger is not necessarily better, there is a point of diminishing returns. 1 and 2mm increases in diameter have significant impacts. Suspension bushings (control arms, sway bars, etc) can help firm things up as well.

Strut tower bars and other body/chassis strengthening and stiffening devices are rarely needed or beneficial for a street driven daily driver. It's also best to do each improvement one at a time so you get the feel and understand the changes that each one makes.

I've got all the sway and stress bars and your car doesn't have to be modified for them . You just have certain areas that they mount in .
I upgraded my front sway bar when I did my Frpp install and then noticed that I didn't have a rear sway bar so I got the aftermarket mounting bracket kit and sway bar that is just a little bigger than the front .
All the stress bars are mainly to stop body roll and for me the worst 1 to install was the 1 in the trunk section . I ended up having to use a Big mallet to get it to go into place without damaging anything .

But all together makes it feel like you can take hair pin turns at high speeds (Obey your traffic laws) . But I have been known to take 1 or 2 and not have any sliding or roll at any time .

But I would upgrade all the sway bars , then do your stress bars .

But all together makes it feel like you can take hair pin turns at high speeds (Obey your traffic laws) . But I have been known to take 1 or 2 and not have any sliding or roll at any time .

But I would upgrade all the sway bars , then do your stress bars .

Well, I was planning to upgrade everything at once (I've filled up quite a shopping cart with FSWerks and I'm dying to press the Checkout button) when I acquire the money to do so (especially the exhaust and the header at the same time so it might cut down the cost of the install at the shop ("WHILE you're in there...") haha). Thanks for the info all the same! I might part out the suspension upgrades, seeing as I can install those without owning my own garage.

Second the leaving stress bars off daily drivers. While I have a pickup truck, every now and then I end up far from home (and the pickup) and end up putting a large item in my Focus (last item was a new, discontinued coffee table at 60% off) and being glad I don't have a rear stress bar. I have good tires and urethane in the stock front and rear bars and while it's no racecar, it definitely feels smooth and stable in the turns, highway ramps and crosswinds.

S model= no rear sway bar for cost reasons. Steeda makes a rear sway bar for cars that didn't come w/ them. The kit comes w/ the brackets that work for none rear sway cars. Try that 1st. Like geezer said= dampers/tires make the difference compared to stress bars.

Please don't take this as a "thanks for the advice but I'm going to do what I'm going to do anyway" sort of thing, but I sometimes think some things people reply with are a bit of a stab at my intelligence. Taking into account what I've already done with my car, I'd like to think I know enough to decide what I want to do, but sometimes I just like a second opinion. And on that note, speaking of "daily drivers", I don't believe in the definition most would go by when talking about this phrase. I drive my car on a daily basis, yes, but I drive the hell out of my car on a daily basis!
~end short rant
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A good rear sway bar (if you don't have one) can improve handling amazingly for our FWD cars. Even for daily uses it can be a very nice handling upgrade.

Swaybars will give much greater marginal gains than any other bolt on parts.

Well the biggest difference maker for me after adding the FRPP kit was adding a rear sway bar (no bar to 22mm) then followed up by swapping front sway bars (18mm to 21mm.) I have a front strut bar/brace as well but it added the least amount of noticeable difference. So to answer your question, having all three stress bars would not be better than having a good set of front/rear sway bars. The SVT came with 21mm front and rear sway bars and is a great combination (for the FRRP suspension, staying close to 21-22mm is going to be a better fit than going larger.)

Geezer's advice about doing each one individually is sound advice; it lets you get experience in how each part changes the feel of the car's handling. I rode on the FRPP with no rear sway bar for several months before adding the 22mm rear. Then I added the larger front bar several months later, really let me learn the car and how it handled with the different bar combinations.

You are free to do what you want but you asked for advice and people gave you responses based on personal experience and first hand knowledge. Adding H&R's 24mm front and rear sway bars and then all three stress bars that FSWerks sells at the same time is going to drastically change your suspension (ill argue that 24mm sway bars is going to be too large for the softer FRPP springs you have.) You cant say you are confused in your first post and then later say people are stabbing at your intelligence.

Geezer's advice about doing each one individually is sound advice; it lets you get experience in how each part changes the feel of the car's handling. I rode on the FRPP with no rear sway bar for several months before adding the 22mm rear. Then I added the larger front bar several months later, really let me learn the car and how it handled with the different bar combinations.

You are free to do what you want but you asked for advice and people gave you responses based on personal experience and first hand knowledge. Adding H&R's 24mm front and rear sway bars and then all three stress bars that FSWerks sells is gong to drastically change your suspension (ill argue that 24mm sway bars is going to be too large for the softer FRPP springs you have.) You cant say you are confused in your first post and then later say people are stabbing at your intelligence.

I understand this. And I do appreciate the advice. I will take it all into consideration when I decide what to do, and when posting future requests for guidance.

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/\also if you are trying to save money at all, check out the buy/sell/trade sections of this site. people are also putting up for sale various sway bars and stress bars. the SVT bars can be had for pretty cheap and they arent really a part that wears out.

Thanks I'll check that out!
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Please don't take this as a "thanks for the advice but I'm going to do what I'm going to do anyway" sort of thing, but I sometimes think some things people reply with are a bit of a stab at my intelligence. Taking into account what I've already done with my car, I'd like to think I know enough to decide what I want to do, but sometimes I just like a second opinion. And on that note, speaking of "daily drivers", I don't believe in the definition most would go by when talking about this phrase. I drive my car on a daily basis, yes, but I drive the hell out of my car on a daily basis!
~end short rant
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First off, I presume you're directing your reply at me so I'll respond. We're all enthusiasts here but we also have no idea how familiar anyone is with the mechanics of their car. Some people are more hands on versus those who rely on others. We have lots (and lots) of people on this forum who don't know a lot about cars let alone their Focus. That's fine and that's why there's a lot of people here who are willing to help those people. I can't speak for others, but I enjoy helping those who know little or nothing (especially those that admit it) as everyone was in that position at one time or another. As many here know, I always try to explain the pros and cons to things and sometimes become an alter ego (sort of sharing the "been there done that" experiences).

In your original post, your last comment asked whether your car had sway bars. Sorry, but to me that's an indication of your knowledge or familiarity with your car as its one of the more basic suspension components. I apologize if I drew a premature conclusion and if I offended you in any way.

First off, I presume you're directing your reply at me so I'll respond. We're all enthusiasts here but we also have no idea how familiar anyone is with the mechanics of their car. Some people are more hands on versus those who rely on others. We have lots (and lots) of people on this forum who don't know a lot about cars let alone their Focus. That's fine and that's why there's a lot of people here who are willing to help those people. I can't speak for others, but I enjoy helping those who know little or nothing (especially those that admit it) as everyone was in that position at one time or another. As many here know, I always try to explain the pros and cons to things and sometimes become an alter ego (sort of sharing the "been there done that" experiences).

In your original post, your last comment asked whether your car had sway bars. Sorry, but to me that's an indication of your knowledge or familiarity with your car as its one of the more basic suspension components. I apologize if I drew a premature conclusion and if I offended you in any way.

No, kind sir, I apologize. I see what you're saying, and I've read over everything again, including my original post. I guess I should have made it more clear as to -what- I was confused about. As for my previous reply, once again, I apologize. I've been under a lot of stress lately with the new addition to the family (the fofo isn't my only baby anymore lol) and I have a bad habit of taking it out unexpectedly in the worst places possible.

Also, could I mix/match sway bars? Say, get that one from steeda for the rear and the fswerks for the front? How would an SVT bar be gone about being put on my car..?

Congratulations on being a new father. There's nothing more important than your child (and they will be forever). I have two sons now 27 and 31. Both are real car guys (drive better vehicles than me), have learned how to take good care of them and I'm proud to say pretty damn good drivers as well (Side note: they were some of the youngest drivers at the very first SCCA Sanctioned Rallycross series in the U.S.). Even though they are grown up, there are days when I feel they still belong in diapers, are brain dead, or both. But they're mine and I love them. Having been there and done that (experience once again), your young one is far more important than your car. Let yourself get into the groove of being a good dad first and then after a while use the car as an excuse to avoid the diaper changes.

Congratulations on being a new father. There's nothing more important than your child (and they will be forever). I have two sons now 27 and 31. Both are real car guys (drive better vehicles than me), have learned how to take good care of them and I'm proud to say pretty damn good drivers as well (Side note: they were some of the youngest drivers at the very first SCCA Sanctioned Rallycross series in the U.S.). Even though they are grown up, there are days when I feel they still belong in diapers, are brain dead, or both. But they're mine and I love them. Having been there and done that (experience once again), your young one is far more important than your car. Let yourself get into the groove of being a good dad first and then after a while use the car as an excuse to avoid the diaper changes.

Why thank you, sir. And although I do have my fair share of diaper changes, I often wish they were needed only as often as oil changes [thumb]

Also, could I mix/match sway bars? Say, get that one from steeda for the rear and the fswerks for the front? How would an SVT bar be gone about being put on my car..?


There's no problem mixing sway bars from different companies. Truth be known, most retail companies like Steeda or fswerks probably don't make their own bars anyway. There's a chance they come from the same manufacturer with just a different paint job. The key is the proper sizing to maintain a neutral handling car (which should be your goal). Too big of a rear bar can promote oversteer, etc.

An SVT rear bar is a very nice complement to a stock front bar. Most Foci are delivered with too much understeer and adding the SVT bar can bring it close to neutral. I believe it's Steeda that makes a rear bar bracket kit for mounting a bar on a car that didn't have one. You'll need new bushings as well. CFM has a nice 21mm poly kit with both center and end link bushings if you go with the 21mm bar SVT bar.

There's no problem mixing sway bars from different companies. Truth be known, most retail companies like Steeda or fswerks probably don't make their own bars anyway. There's a chance they come from the same manufacturer with just a different paint job. The key is the proper sizing to maintain a neutral handling car (which should be your goal). Too big of a rear bar can promote oversteer, etc.

An SVT rear bar is a very nice complement to a stock front bar. Most Foci are delivered with too much understeer and adding the SVT bar can bring it close to neutral. I believe it's Steeda that makes a rear bar bracket kit for mounting a bar on a car that didn't have one. You'll need new bushings as well. CFM has a nice 21mm poly kit with both center and end link bushings if you go with the 21mm bar SVT bar.

Alright.. You've lost me again. I thought SVT was a sub-model of Focus in the earlier generations. The one I'm looking at right now is: http://www.steedafocus.com/parts/ford-focus-steeda-rear-swaybar.html
I believe this comes with all the necessary hardware..
If you could direct me to this SVT bar, I'd love to compare the two.

First off this is not a shot at anyones intelligence. I just feel there needs to be a clarification.

Sway bars: These are designed to help keep a good tire contact patch with the ground during turning, under higher speed conditions that will cause tires to lift/change angles. They do provide a handling, if gone to far bad handling, upgrade.

Stress bars: These are designed to help the body become more rigid. This too can help handling but only slightly. Think of it this way your car is under extreme stress during cornering, like crushing a can. These bars help to stop that which in turn will alow the suspension to do its job.

Ford did not change much of there suspension for the focus from 2000-2011. They are all pretty much the same. They might have changed alittle but not much.

SO to answer your question yes the SVT sway bars will fit. And owning a SVT the handling is good. Like it has been said by a few already. Ford and pretty much all manufacturers design understeer/push into their cars. This is suppose to be safer for the average driver. But for the driver whom wants more fun or a really nice handling car SLIGHT oversteer/loose is better, alows the car to rotate through the corner.

To achieve this in a FWD platform a slightly bigger bar in the rear will help.
I had the eibach springs and sway bars on my SVT and they were in my opinion is one of the best handling setups. Little stiff but great handling. If you put the SVT sway bars on you will be amazed at the handling and ride they provide. And yes they will change the ride slightly, so before anyone says im crazy there was a HUGE differnce from when i installed just springs to springs and sway bars. Made it ride smoother IMO.

Just my little rant. And hope this helps.

First off this is not a shot at anyones intelligence. I just feel there needs to be a clarification.

Sway bars: These are designed to help keep a good tire contact patch with the ground during turning, under higher speed conditions that will cause tires to lift/change angles. They do provide a handling, if gone to far bad handling, upgrade.

Stress bars: These are designed to help the body become more rigid. This too can help handling but only slightly. Think of it this way your car is under extreme stress during cornering, like crushing a can. These bars help to stop that which in turn will alow the suspension to do its job.

Ford did not change much of there suspension for the focus from 2000-2011. They are all pretty much the same. They might have changed alittle but not much.

SO to answer your question yes the SVT sway bars will fit. And owning a SVT the handling is good. Like it has been said by a few already. Ford and pretty much all manufacturers design understeer/push into their cars. This is suppose to be safer for the average driver. But for the driver whom wants more fun or a really nice handling car SLIGHT oversteer/loose is better, alows the car to rotate through the corner.

To achieve this in a FWD platform a slightly bigger bar in the rear will help.
I had the eibach springs and sway bars on my SVT and they were in my opinion is one of the best handling setups. Little stiff but great handling. If you put the SVT sway bars on you will be amazed at the handling and ride they provide. And yes they will change the ride slightly, so before anyone says im crazy there was a HUGE differnce from when i installed just springs to springs and sway bars. Made it ride smoother IMO.

Just my little rant. And hope this helps.

Thanks for the rant bro! I'm really digging the idea of those SVT bars now. I've heard nothing but good things about the SVTs to begin with when it comes to performance.

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Alright.. You've lost me again. I thought SVT was a sub-model of Focus in the earlier generations. The one I'm looking at right now is: http://www.steedafocus.com/parts/ford-focus-steeda-rear-swaybar.html
I believe this comes with all the necessary hardware..
If you could direct me to this SVT bar, I'd love to compare the two.


Yes the SVT was based on the 02 to 04 standard Focus. It had a much different motor, a very nice suspension, tire,wheel package and some other creature features. The SVT was (and still is) considered one of the better handling cars Ford has ever made. Ford Racing made the SVT suspension package available for aftermarket purchase. I had the kit on my ZX3 and it transformed the car (all for under 300.00). The rear 21mm sway is available in the SVT kit (springs, dampers, sway bar) or separately. Without knowing the size of the Steeda bar I can't say its equivalent or not. If it's 21 or 22mm in diameter it should be just as good and coming with the mounts is ideal as well.

BTW i have a set of svt sway bars ill sell you if you want. you would need to get the bushings (available at most auto parts stores). and if you dont have a rear bar the endlinks and sway bar bushing mounts. I drive up to dc almost every month so we could meet and make the sale then.

Yes the SVT was based on the 02 to 04 standard Focus. It had a much different motor, a very nice suspension, tire,wheel package and some other creature features. The SVT was (and still is) considered one of the better handling cars Ford has ever made. Ford Racing made the SVT suspension package available for aftermarket purchase. I had the kit on my ZX3 and it transformed the car (all for under 300.00). The rear 21mm sway is available in the SVT kit (springs, dampers, sway bar) or separately. Without knowing the size of the Steeda bar I can't say its equivalent or not. If it's 21 or 22mm in diameter it should be just as good and coming with the mounts is ideal as well.

It is in fact 21mm, the Steeda bar is. Should I consider upgrading my front bar as well, assuming I have one?

With the things I've heard and keep on hearing about the SVT I'm thinking I might find one for the wifey (for me to steal when I want to show off) when I have the money [giddy] 'course when all is said and done with MY fofo, I'd like to think I'll be turning a few heads [thumb]

BTW i have a set of svt sway bars ill sell you if you want. you would need to get the bushings (available at most auto parts stores). and if you dont have a rear bar the endlinks and sway bar bushing mounts. I drive up to dc almost every month so we could meet and make the sale then.

I MEAN... Lol if the price is right >>> so the wifey doesn't kill me [paranoid]

$100 and they are yours. This is front and rear.

You do have a front bar. If i remember correctly its 18mm were as the svt is 21mm.

$100 and they are yours. This is front and rear.

You do have a front bar. If i remember correctly its 18mm were as the svt is 21mm.

Would having both the same size equal a balanced suspension? Mentioned in a previous reply, I'm assuming I don't want to be too much on either side of over or understeer? Oh and do you have pictures?

I think the best thing for you to do would be to buy whatever swaybars you want, mainly rear. Drive it for a while and see how you like it.

But like i said before having a BIGGER rear bar will cause oversteer. now going to the svt rear bar with your stock front will act like the eibachs did with my car. Which was VERY controllable slight oversteer, basically you feel the rearend rotate slightly quicker than the fronts. Very fun to drive that way. But you can also put both on and yes it will have a EXCELLENT balance with a slight tendency to understeer, front tires pushing through the corner. This to is VERY controllable. SO its all going to depend on your driving style on how you want the car setup. I WOULD NOT buy a 24+ rear bar and put it on the car with your current front bar. This can be dangerous, LOTS AND LOTS of oversteer.

I think the best thing for you to do would be to buy whatever swaybars you want, mainly rear. Drive it for a while and see how you like it.

But like i said before having a BIGGER rear bar will cause oversteer. now going to the svt rear bar with your stock front will act like the eibachs did with my car. Which was VERY controllable slight oversteer, basically you feel the rearend rotate slightly quicker than the fronts. Very fun to drive that way. But you can also put both on and yes it will have a EXCELLENT balance with a slight tendency to understeer, front tires pushing through the corner. This to is VERY controllable. SO its all going to depend on your driving style on how you want the car setup. I WOULD NOT buy a 24+ rear bar and put it on the car with your current front bar. This can be dangerous, LOTS AND LOTS of oversteer.

So if I buy both from you, I would have the option to use one or both. I think I like a little bit of understeer as opposed to oversteer (or so I would think, because I just can't stand the feeling of the back end sliding out. (I had an explorer before the fofo, back end broke loose around a corner, ended up facing the traffic behind me) It gives me a mini heart attack every time I feel it). So yeah, taking that into account, lol you got pics? (also if there were a place for me to buy both of them new? (part #s?)

PM me your phone number (if you can recieve text) and ill send you a pic tomorrow. If not ill try and post some up tomorrow.
you can go to c-f-m.com or fordracing.com to see the bars but i think they only come as a full kit, struts shocks springs and bars.
if you want slight understeer then your best bet would be the svt setup. Again though you can install just the rear and see how it feels. Cause like i said its VERY CONTROLLABLE. Every time its happened to me slight lift off of the throttle and she straightens herself out.

I just want to say this WILL NOT be dangerous in any way. AS long as you DO NOT try and take excessive speed into a corner. What i would tell you to do is find a corner you KNOW EXTREMELY WELL take it normally with the setup you have now, then put the rear on and take it again. Mind you when i say normally I mean SAFE speeds. then if you do not like it because it feels like its going to spin out, rear first, install the front and repeat. This will give you the knowledge of what is going to happen with the car. Putting the front on will bring it back in line with oversteer.
But you would have to buy both front and rear to match. Most kits you can buy will have the SLIGHT oversteer. Like i said its better handling 99% of the time.
Your explorerspun because it has a SOLID axle back there. The focus is INDEPENDENT so handling is way different. IT will take quite a bit to get the rear of most IRS car to spin. It is possible but with normal driving you shouldnt have a problem of spinning. even in my focus it WOULD NOT loose traction. The fronts would let go way before the rear.

Start with a moderately sized rear bar first (like the SVT, the Steeda mentioned, or a Progress 22mm bar) all paired with a stock front bar. None of those will make the car tail happy. As mentioned before, the car will be more neutral. This means that things like oversteer won't happen unless you purposely induce it and understeer will be pretty much negated. In summary, the car will go where it is pointed without unwanted surprises aka "neutral". Bigger bars can get really scary especially on bad roads and weather conditions. This is when snap oversteer can rear its ugly head, and usually when you are unready for it or don't want it. From an installation standpoint, the rear bar is pretty easy to install while the front one is a little more involved.

Start with a moderately sized rear bar first (like the SVT, the Steeda mentioned, or a Progress 22mm bar) all paired with a stock front bar. None of those will make the car tail happy. As mentioned before, the car will be more neutral. This means that things like oversteer won't happen unless you purposely induce it and understeer will be pretty much negated. In summary, the car will go where it is pointed without unwanted surprises aka "neutral". Bigger bars can get really scary especially on bad roads and weather conditions. This is when snap oversteer can rear its ugly head, and usually when you are unready for it or don't want it. From an installation standpoint, the rear bar is pretty easy to install while the front one is a little more involved.

Dynamite info, sir. How would this compare to having both SVT bars, however? Would there be more unwanted surprises then?

PM me your phone number (if you can recieve text) and ill send you a pic tomorrow. If not ill try and post some up tomorrow.

PM'd

Dynamite info, sir. How would this compare to having both SVT bars, however? Would there be more unwanted surprises then?

Both front and rear SVT bars for $100 is pretty affordable, convenient if local too. You will still need to go with Steeda's hardware kit or get brackets custom made/welded to your frame. You will also need to get bushings and endlinks to round out the job. The good news is that the rear bar is something you can install in your garage/driveway in about an hour (if you go with Steeda, feel free to PM me and I can give you some tips on installing those brackets, it can be a little tricky.) So you can install the rear bar and drive on that for a while, see how the car responds and then get the front bar installed later.

The front is something you may not be able to install yourself, it involves dropping the front crossmember. I am not sure what size your front sway bar is, I know the S model for 2007 came with an 18mm front sway bar but not sure if they kept that or used the 20mm for 2008 S. I still suggest driving with the added rear bar for a while, get used to how it handles different situations and add the front one later.

Also, Steeda's rear bar is 22mm I have measured it and the bushings used are 7/8". They told me on the phone it was 22mm as well.

Both front and rear SVT bars for $100 is pretty affordable, convenient if local too. You will still need to go with Steeda's hardware kit or get brackets custom made/welded to your frame. You will also need to get bushings and endlinks to round out the job. The good news is that the rear bar is something you can install in your garage/driveway in about an hour (if you go with Steeda, feel free to PM me and I can give you some tips on installing those brackets, it can be a little tricky.) So you can install the rear bar and drive on that for a while, see how the car responds and then get the front bar installed later.

The front is something you may not be able to install yourself, it involves dropping the front crossmember. I am not sure what size your front sway bar is, I know the S model for 2007 came with an 18mm front sway bar but not sure if they kept that or used the 20mm for 2008 S. I still suggest driving with the added rear bar for a while, get used to how it handles different situations and add the front one later.

Also, Steeda's rear bar is 22mm I have measured it and the bushings used are 7/8". They told me on the phone it was 22mm as well.

I was going to ask about that, actually. If the steeda hardware is universal for all sway bars. End links and bushings are easily ordered as well. Overall investment shouldn't break the bank lol.

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I was going to ask about that, actually. If the steeda hardware is universal for all sway bars. End links and bushings are easily ordered as well. Overall investment shouldn't break the bank lol.

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I'd check out steeda site as far as their rsb kit for cars w/o sways to begin w/. The steeda brackets are made for their size bar. If you use the oem steeda bar you'd be ok, but I would weld the brackets to the frame instead of bolting them on.Just adding the steeda rear sway bar kit is going to make a ddifference. Seems like some of the guys had issues we/ the left side not going all the way over like the right side is. Punch up search= Steeda rear sway bar kit, in the search section. You should be able to see pix. Like you said earlier= oversteer w/ your explorer. Foci's are fwd & have a different charictrstics compared to rwd cars. fwd have push into them all ready. A rear bar will take out some of the push= make your car fun to drive. The steeda brackets are made for their bar size.[thumb]

I'd check out steeda site as far as their rsb kit for cars w/o sways to begin w/. The steeda brackets are made for their size bar. If you use the oem steeda bar you'd be ok, but I would weld the brackets to the frame instead of bolting them on.Just adding the steeda rear sway bar kit is going to make a ddifference. Seems like some of the guys had issues we/ the left side not going all the way over like the right side is. Punch up search= Steeda rear sway bar kit, in the search section. You should be able to see pix. Like you said earlier= oversteer w/ your explorer. Foci's are fwd & have a different charictrstics compared to rwd cars. fwd have push into them all ready. A rear bar will take out some of the push= make your car fun to drive. The steeda brackets are made for their bar size.[thumb]

With that in mind, say I wanted to use the SVT bar instead. Would I be able to find hardware for it to fit my car, having not had a sway bar installed already? Or should I just go with the Steeda?

With that in mind, say I wanted to use the SVT bar instead. Would I be able to find hardware for it to fit my car, having not had a sway bar installed already? Or should I just go with the Steeda?

I'd go w/ the Steeda kit= comes w/ everthing. You'd have to change the bushings & the sway bar at least. Hit up the search section for cars w/o r sway bars

I'd go w/ the Steeda kit= comes w/ everthing. You'd have to change the bushings & the sway bar at least. Hit up the search section for cars w/o r sway bars

I went with the SVT bars, as I am a bargain hunter and 'twas quite a bargain. I've got the links for the back, now I need the bushings. Will any 21mm bushings do?

I went with the SVT bars, as I am a bargain hunter and 'twas quite a bargain. I've got the links for the back, now I need the bushings. Will any 21mm bushings do?

You'll need the brackets too, that need to be welded to your rear cradle. I'd use poly bushings & end links.

You'll need the brackets too, that need to be welded to your rear cradle. I'd use poly bushings & end links.

Thanks bro. Now all I need is a welder..

You'll need the brackets too, that need to be welded to your rear cradle. I'd use poly bushings & end links.

I think I jumped ahead of myself there. What exactly is the rear cradle? pics if possible?