I bought this RM Race rear sway bar from Mach V as part of a group buy here on DSMtuners. Since there were so many questions about the install on the Vendor Announcements forum I thought I should write this tech article.
First question often asked; Yes it does fit all GST models including the Spyder, with a minor fit problem that was easily fixed. No interference problems with a 3" exhaust. If your 2G doesn't already have a rear anti-sway bar you will need to purchase the mounting hardware and end links separately. This sway bar comes with new bushings and lubricant for the bushings.
If you're not lucky to live in the desert and own a DSM that spent it's life in a dry climate like me you will probably have trouble removing rusted hardware holding the OEM sway bar. Here are my two favorite penetrating oil products. I probably could have removed my old sway bar without them but they make removing and installing old chassis bolts easier. Soak the hardware before beginning the removal. Wait a few hours and soak again if rusted.
This was my OEM rear anti-sway bar:
Jack up the car to a workable height and put jack stands under the frame. I removed both rear wheels but this was not necessary. The only tools required to remove and install the new sway bar is a 12mm socket, a 14mm socket and a 14mm open end wrench. First I removed the nuts from the links. There is a 14mm hex on the link side of the end of the sway bar. Put the 14mm open end wrench on this side and the 14mm socket on the nut. If your hardware isn't rusted it'll loosen without needing a breaker bar. Remove the nuts from both links.
Link removed:
After both links have been disconnected from the ends of the sway bar remove the four 12mm bolts holding the bushings in place. Hold the sway bar as it will fall from place.
The OEM sway bar compared to the RM sway bar and new bushings. The OEM bushing hardware will fit the new bushings. The material of the new bushings seems to be the same as the OEM bushings and only the color and size is different:
To install the new anti-sway bar simply reverse the removal steps. Apply a liberal amount of the grease included with the bushings to the inside of the bushings. Wipe off any excess after installation.
Some buyers complained about the new sway bar squeaking. I found one possible cause. The thicker sway bar contacts the frame. The metal to metal contact will cause squeaking. This picture shows the RM sway bar contacting the frame:
I removed the sway bar and using vise-grips bent the frame away from the area where it contacted the sway bar. You could also grind away the metal where it contacts the sway bar:
Here is a photo of the new RM Racing rear sway bar installed:
The whole install would have taken less than an hour if I didn't stop often to take these photos. I took the car out for a test drive that included some curving highway on-ramps. I like the new feel and less body roll. No squeaks as some others have noted. I have new shocks and springs on order. I think this RM Racing anti-sway bar will be a good compliment to the whole package.
RM Racing rear anti-sway bar install 2G GST Spyder
