[openspace]

Long time viewer, first time poster....

I have scoured the Suspension and Handling area, but am not able to figure out if an 2009-10 Forester rear sway bar is in any way different than previous years bars.

In particular, I would like to upgrade the stock rear sway bar (13mm? hollow?) with something stiffer. My take-away from the posts is that an early model WRX rear bar (non-STi) will fit, and, that a 17-19mm bar will flatten my handling somewhat without introducing excessive oversteer (and would also allow me to use the stock dogbone endlinks).

To be clear, I'm not really looking for ultimate handling --just a more balanced car (over v. understeer) with a bit more "snap". I have found a source for a [20mm bar for 1993-2003 Impreza] and also a [20mm bar for 2004-2007 Impreza]. It seems like I need the 93-03 part. However is that size too big for the stock mounting and endlink hardware? Should I keep looking for a 17mm?

Sorry this post is a bit vague; I'm simply not finding anything definitive for such a new model car. Any help is appreciated.

 

[bettsyboy]

I don't think bars for previous generations will fit... If I am not mistaken they are a different shape and mount differently as well. I know the end links for previous models will also not work in the rear.

you would be looking for a sway bar that is meant for a 08+ STI, but there is no benefit to buying an OEM one as they are the same as what you have now.

I went with the Eibach kit 7718.32

 

[openspace]

Thanks for the confirmation. (I decided last night to crawl under the car, and noticed that the overall shape of the bar is in fact different). I also took a diameter measurement and the bar seems to be 16.2mm by my calipers, which gives me a point of reference.

 

[doogle]

So what endlinks would we use on the 09/10 model?

 

[bettsyboy]

I used Group-A, but perrin makes some, so does kartboy and I think whiteline has a set too.

 

[doogle]

I used Group-A, but perrin makes some, so does kartboy and I think whiteline has a set too.

Do they list them as forester specific? If not which other Subaru model will fit?

 

[Hot09XT]

Here's alink to Toms site and the parts........Kartboy dot com :: Subaru Forester :: 2009-2010 Forester :: Kartboy 2008+ Front And Rear Endlink Kit

 

[doogle]

Thanks for the link

 

[javaperson]

I don't think bars for previous generations will fit... If I am not mistaken they are a different shape and mount differently as well. I know the end links for previous models will also not work in the rear.

you would be looking for a sway bar that is meant for a 08+ STI, but there is no benefit to buying an OEM one as they are the same as what you have now.

I went with the Eibach kit 7718.32

On a related note, if we change the rear sway bar, do we need to change the mounts as well? Since the sway bar is getting beefier, it would seem that one would need larger mounts. Where can we get them?

Thanks,

 

[Cuddles]

I just found this information:

2008

MODEL FRONT REAR

Impreza 2.5i 19 mm NONE
WRX 20mm 15mm
STI 21mm 18mm
------------------------------------------------------------

2009

MODEL FRONT REAR

Impreza 2.5i 19 mm NONE
WRX/GT 21mm 16mm
STI 21mm 18mm

Rear sways are interchangeable between all models, front sways are NOT!

From 3GWRX.com

So, I'm going to need mounts, true?

 

[Tuned200]

We are just thinking about upgrading the rear bar on our 2010x. I will follow this thread for info.

 

[justinw2116]

On a related note, if we change the rear sway bar, do we need to change the mounts as well? Since the sway bar is getting beefier, it would seem that one would need larger mounts. Where can we get them?

Thanks,

Ditto.

 

[Hot09XT]

Even if the rears are interchangeable I don't think going from a 16MM to an 18MM is gonna make much difference. I think thats why you don't see aftermmarket producers of these items making anything smaller than 20MM as a starting point. Sounds to me as an OEM 18, unless its free, would be a waste of $$$. Just my .02.

Also if what you say is true, "any (MY) rear will work" then I guess the 2004-2007 STi rear will work and since it is 21MM it will be a significant improvement, since thats the only 1 that Subaru makes...for now. #B2010FE560 (REAR).

 

[Cuddles]

Do you think materials became better over the years, hence why it's so small or at least smaller than previous years? Or do you really think they skimped down on the bar?

 

[Hot09XT]

Do you think materials became better over the years, hence why it's so small or at least smaller than previous years? Or do you really think they skimped down on the bar?

If you are talking about the MY09-10 Foz then I don't think materials are any better. I think they just softened the ride to fit the general population. Not everyone wants the FOZ to handle like it is on rails. It appeals to a wide age range of buyer. I just don't understand why Subaru takes sooooo long to come out with performance upgrades but this has been a long term/time debate.


I also noticed in another thread where someone here did the STi WRX rear bar, I think OEM/stock, and the observation was that he would have preferred to go aftermarket/larger.

 

[Hot09XT]

I think I follow you now. Skimp on their sports model......well, yes and no. They have put there what will work and give the ability for spirited driving thus 18mm rear but remember they are in the business of selling items to the general public that's why they have 2 lines of A/M parts called STi and SPT. Subaru is not alone in this as most manufacturers do this.....TRD, AMG, etc.

If you really want the true performance out of the box then you are gonna have to step up to the high end of Ferrari, Mercedes, Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi and the like, where you are paying for top of the line parts....very few modifications if any.....well race track mods but then those cars never get driven on the road. Really for wealthy people that just wanna play!!!

 

[Cuddles]

Thanks man, between these couple of threads, you have been a big help. I wouldn't mind getting a Bugatti...but I would miss being able to take it apart and add things. I do love to do that.