6 replies to this topic

[Geevs]

OK, I got a set of R bars from ProjectT-5R last year and installed only the rears since my wagon didn't come with any. I retained the front with the OEM bar. Well, I am beginning to feel that the rear bar is the cause of my dissatisfaction of the ride the past 6 months. Yes, it helps marginally on curvy roads but going over uneven pavement the car just rides rough. It feels like the bars have cancelled out any "independent" movement the rear suspension had. Changing from TCs to softer Monroes helped marginally. I'm thinking the R bars being 21mm and about the same size as the OEM fronts are just too stiff for the OEM springs and OEM-level shocks. I read somewhere that bars should be matched with the right springs and the shocks otherwise a harsh ride would result. A real R would have the R bar with R springs and what kind of shocks? Maybe I should just installed a standard 19mm rear bar?

What's your take?

Thanks.

[orange850t]

OK, I got a set of R bars from ProjectT-5R last year and installed only the rears since my wagon didn't come with any. I retained the front with the OEM bar. Well, I am beginning to feel that the rear bar is the cause of my dissatisfaction of the ride the past 6 months. Yes, it helps marginally on curvy roads but going over uneven pavement the car just rides rough. It feels like the bars have cancelled out any "independent" movement the rear suspension had. Changing from TCs to softer Monroes helped marginally. I'm thinking the R bars being 21mm and about the same size as the OEM fronts are just too stiff for the OEM springs and OEM-level shocks. I read somewhere that bars should be matched with the right springs and the shocks otherwise a harsh ride would result. A real R would have the R bar with R springs and what kind of shocks? Maybe I should just installed a standard 19mm rear bar?

What's your take?

Thanks.

I've got a 19mm bar to trade if you'd like.

swaybars increase roll resistance while only adding half of the bump resistance. So on a bumpy road the increase in bumpyness is only half as much as an equal increase in spring stiffness.

Having said that, the R springs will be stiffer than stock sooo........if you don't like the harsness of the ride with your current setup it would only be worse with the R springs.

R shocks are not different than stock T5's I don't believe.

These cars tend to be harsh, period. Going to a 16" wheel with a 55 series tire, removing the rear sway and using monroe shocks will be the softest you will ever get it. The only reason you would want/need the R equipment or better is to reduce understeer, and improve handling but that usually comes with a sacrifice in ride harshness and it is only REALLY noticeable at the limits of the stock suspension.

My humble opinion, hope it helps

[Geevs]

Hi, thanks for your reply and I agree with your take. The R bar has indeed reduced understeer which has further been compounded by the 15mm spacers I placed on the rear. I think the combined result is a little too much oversteer, so I may remove the R bar.

I plan to keep the R bars as I'm scouting around for a 98 s70 T5. I will probably swap the bars of both cars - the wagon stays with my wife so need to keep it comfortable, I wouldn't mind the ride compromise with the R bars on the sedan, though.

Thanks!

[KLS]

I put IPD front & rear bars on my 850T, and don't notice significant increased harshness, and I really like the control. If a rear bar is installed, a bigger front bar is needed to balance the handling. I went to Monroe shocks and 205/60-15 tires to soften the ride. (My city has bad street pavement.) I may try Goodyear TripleTred tires next time to try to soften the ride even more.


Ken

[Geevs]

Hi Ken, our cars are quite similar - 855Ts, same Monroe shocks, Falken tires, 16" wheel size just different bars and yet your car seems to be more compliant. Oh crap, just my luck. I'll see what I can do, though.

[Geevs]

Thought I'd reuse this thread rather than open a new one since it's related to my "problem".

I noticed that if my wagon area is loaded (i.e. full tank of gas, stuff in the cargo area) the ride is more compliant. But when the car is empty with only myself and maybe 1/3 gas in the tank, the ride is harsher. Why? I thought it would be the opposite - loaded wagon means more compressed springs means less travel like a lowering spring means harsh ride?

[Geevs]

Bump for the last question. Anyone?