Sway bar for the Wagon

***whynotthinkwhynot*** · 10-19-2010, 05:02 AM

So what do y'all think about me putting that super hoss 28.6mm sway bar on the back of the wagon?

Currently the ZXW has nothing done to it in the suspension performance category, but I'm approaching 150k which is my re-suspension age. I get to drive through several chicanes on the way to work on this lonely industrial road, so I've been testing out the suspension every morning. There's a lot of lean back there- likely not all from aged rear sway bar links- but from aged springs as well.

I'm still on the search for a good set of springs for what I want, but that is the topic of another thread.

C-F-M's literature says that the bigger rear sway bar might produce oversteer when used with a stock front sway bar. OK, well in my driving world oversteer = wheeee, and understeer = terrifying. Not that I wouldn't eventually trade up on the front sway bar as well, but that won't come until after I reach motor-swap age with the car (also rapidly approaching).

The wagon does have 200+ lbs on other Foci in the rear, so I might not see as much wheee as a ZX3 would with a fat rear bar.

What do ya think?

illinipo · 10-19-2010, 11:37 AM

dampers first.

then springs

then tire pressure

THEN swaybars

I have stock bars and can sustain 4-wheel drifts at autocross without tryng that hard.

ChrissyL · 10-19-2010, 05:50 PM

With that big a difference between the big rear bar and the front stocker, plus the wagon's extra weight carried high, and a little more flex in that rear wagon structure, I'd expect the oversteer would snap in pretty abruptly at the upper limit of cornering.

With the right balance of upgraded components, as illinipo details, a small wagon can become a fun handler. That's how my Escort wagon is set up, but I've replaced endlinks and added polyurethane bushings throughout as well.

norcalfocus01 · 10-19-2010, 05:55 PM

The biggest you'll need is a 22mm bar.That with some poly bushings and endlinks will create a fun amount of oversteer.

illinipo · 10-19-2010, 06:11 PM

the car will stay flat in cornering very neutral handling, I have to induce oversteer with lift or tapping the brake really hard, but it is easy to control once I get it going. But doesnt oversteer unless I want it to.

***whynotthinkwhynot*** · 10-19-2010, 06:57 PM

Well thanks. I do need a new set, the last time I did dampers was 60k miles ago. Springs are stock, but with me driving that car to work- I can't lower it. Maybe 1" lower, but nothing more than that. My ZXW routinely becomes an off road vehicle.

You answered my question though. Thanks.

How about: brakes-> suspension -> LSD/clutch -> turbo -> DONK WHEELS!!!!!!