Just installed mine tonight and the most difficult part was trying to clear the top/front edge of the differential. Sorry did not take any pics, just wanted to finish the job.
Those who have done the job know what I am talking about, the middle of the sway bar will get caught there and make very difficult to get the ends of the sway bars over the lower control arms. I also disconnected both rear mufflers to allow the exhaust to hang out of the way.
TIP: what I did was loosen/remove one side lower control arm bolt that connects near the outer most edge of the arm just below the shock mount. This allowed the lower control arm to swing even lower to get one side of the sway bar out of the way of the control arm. Otherwise, it would have been a royal pain to try and move the bar out. Remember to support the lower control arm beneath the spring cup as there will be some tension from the spring. :yesnod:
Of course the sway bar
WILL get scratched to all hell, so if you are hoping to have a prestine looking sway bar, you better unbolt the differential both from the front / rear mounts. :huh:
Something I have not read noted, when pulling down the front of the differental, the reason it does not tilt more is the rear cover will be up against the rear subframe just behind the cover. I made a small dent on mine from the pulling. So either remember to pad this contact point. :tear:
I work for a Lexus dealership, so I had access to the lifts, I commend all of you who have done it on the ground. I know it could be done, but there are definitely some space/working room challenges.
Overall, from start to finish about 1 hour 20 minutes. I had two other master techs helping me as well.
Driving impressions: I left mine on the "soft" setting as I did not want to have any oversteer conditions (like I did on my Audi A4). The straight line ride was the same as stock, with a few small changes to a reduced rolling feel I used to get when driving over bumps/dips in the road.
When turning, there comes the magic of proper tuning. The rear has definitely reduced its roll causing the car to feel slightly tipsy stock. Turn in is slightly sharper and definitely approaching neutral. I feel when the car is finally lowered (RPM springs, hint, hint) The body lean will be addressed and still have a streetable ride. We shall see in a few months.
Would I recommend this rear sway bar upgrade to any MS6 owner, even if you have no plans to lower the car as it has changed its character to how it should have come from the factory. So far the best money spent on the suspension.
