JDM Swaybar Fitted on Outback XT

Ok Kids:) ,

I decided to try the install of the JDM rear swaybar today. IT FITS. The JDM bar and stock bar are exactly the same shape and length. Subaru lengthened the mounting bracket to enable them to use the same swaybar. Install was pretty straight forward. You have to unbolt the rear mufflers to get the bars out and in.

I went out for a good run after the install including my local interstate on and off ramp. The difference is noticable. The stock Outback has a floaty rear end. The car when pushed hard fells a little unstable, not anymore. The front and rear are now in perfect harmony. The cornering is much more poised. The ride is not noticably harsher. This is a great mod for the Outback. It probably makes more difference than the GT due to our smaller stock rear bar.

I just installed my rear swaybar last weekend. Did not have to take the rear muffler off. I did have to take off one of the wheels though. I think it is one of the best upgrade possible. Cant go fast unless you can go fast around corners.

Thanks for the update, that is great news!

 

So did you use the stock end-links?

Yes. Stock endlinks.

OK, guess that means I am ok to start ordering suspension stuff for the car. Thanks for the update.

Nice! Did you reuse the bushings? I wouldn't think the stockers would fit the JDM bar.

Jedi, the swaybar from AVO had new bushings included.

Great news!

 

It's good to know that it fits, a viable upgrade path for Outback owners, plus it won't stick out too much at the dealership when in for maintenance and such.

 

We always include bushings in the stabilizer bar orders, because they are necessary for fitment.

 

Cheers,

 

Paul Hansen

http://www.avoturboworld.com

will this void my warranty?

sneezing will void your warranty

Also means that the USDM LGT rear sway bar will fit. While not as stiff as the JDM bar, it will increase roll stiffness in the rear, and balance out the handling. I'm not sure why the OB has a 14mm rear bar, while the LGT has a 17mm bar, but for a cheap upgrade, it's something to consider. I say cheap, because as more and more LGT owners upgrade to the JDM and aftermarket bars, some will sell their OEM bars.

I'm really glad to hear that it fits because if we do get an OBXT for my wife, this will be one thing that I'll want to do to it. OB has just too much roll for me and she notices it much more than your typical non-motor head spouse would notice something like this... which is good.

 

SBT

How much was it?

$190 including shipping from www.avoturboworld.com. Took 10 days from order to get to me from Japan - impressive.

just sort of thinking out loud...if you go with a thicker rear bar, will it compromise the "independent-ness" of the rear wheel travel? Say you're on a unpaved road and only one rear tire drops into a deep rut, will a thicker bar compromise off-road handling and traction?

Excellent point! That is probably THE single reason for the smaller sway bar on the OBXT.

 

SBT

just sort of thinking out loud...if you go with a thicker rear bar, will it compromise the "independent-ness" of the rear wheel travel? Say you're on a unpaved road and only one rear tire drops into a deep rut, will a thicker bar compromise off-road handling and traction?

 

Of necessity, yes, but not to a significant degree. The JDM bar is still within numbers that are reasonable. When people start strapping on 25mm bars, etc, then it becomes problematic.

 

As regards the warranty question, technically yes, a swaybar will void the warranty of affected parts. So if you break a swaybar mount with a larger swaybar, the repair would be on your own dime. Conversely, if your "check engine" light came on, the swaybar would have nothing to do with it.

 

Note also that you would have to patronize a pretty cranky dealer to have anything be affected by a swaybar. I went to my dealer (with my WRX) with DMS coilovers, stainless lines/Subaru 4-pots, different swaybar, wheels and tires and other stuff going on, and nobody said a word.

 

Kevin

Jedi, the swaybar from AVO had new bushings included.

 

poly bushings too.

Before I order, let me be clear- this is the JDM Legacy bar right? I remember the JDM OB bar being not much bigger than the US one.

Yes Jedi you need the Legacy GT JDM bar 20mm. So if you are ordering from AVO it is under Legacy BL/BP in the international section. The part no is BLBP-RSTABI

 

Of necessity, yes, but not to a significant degree. The JDM bar is still within numbers that are reasonable. When people start strapping on 25mm bars, etc, then it becomes problematic.

I agree 20mm is about as far as I would go on an Outback. Anymore and you are going to get a lot of rear bias in the handling which with the increased ground clearance would not be fun. There is a reason that stock rear bars tend to be smaller than stock front bars - more foregiving handling.

Im glad you are happy Limey Good driving!!

Thanks for your help on this one Mr Clark.

17mm to the JDM 20mm bar = 35% stiffer.

It's even better than that the stock Outback XT rear sway is 15mm.

Thanks for all the info. Will all the AZ twisty's to drive, this looks like the way to go!