Front sway bar and Cobb springs

[ericrapp]

Just in: There seems to be a problem with tha install. The Hotchkis front bar seems to just interfere with subframe. Why did you guys not tell me I need new end links. i am alittle pissed. Has anyone installed lower springs and a front anti sway bar? The rear with springs are fine do I have the wrong piece?

 

[MicaSp33d]

i think you can use the stock front end links ... i don't have the fsb, but my friend w/ a regular 3 with the hotchkis and eibach springs did not use adjustable end links

and i believe you have to remove the subframe to install

 

[CHIEFSMS3]

Just in: There seems to be a problem with tha install. The Hotchkis front bar seems to just interfere with subframe. Why did you guys not tell me I need new end links. i am alittle pissed. Has anyone installed lower springs and a front anti sway bar? The rear with springs are fine do I have the wrong piece?

When you intall the FSB you have to have the suspension loaded. Put it on ramps, pull the sway bar back as far as possible to the rear. With the suspension loaded it won't hit the subframe and the endlinks will fit fine. I have the Mazdaspeed lowering springs snd the Hotchkis FSB. You are not the first to experience this. It is not the springs or the FSB. The install requires that you have the tires on and the suspension has to have a load on it. The only time the FSB hits the subframe is when the suspension is at full droop.



You could do like this smart fella:

"When i did the FSB install the car had no load on it so the end links were too short. So i cut the front end links and welded it back. When i drop the car the end links were hitting the sub frame. I know i'm a retard. You have to load the suspension in order to install the front sway bars. I went to the dealer and bought a set of endlinks from a regular mazda3. Same thing but the only thing diffrent were the end link bolts to the sway bar on speed3 has a bigger diameter. But the regular 3 has a smaller one. I just added a washer and perfect. They wanted $30 extra for speed3 end link. **** that."

 

[ericrapp]

Thanks again, it is so close It just makes me nervous. I have the suspension loaded an the bar as far rearward as possible. we will tighten it down this morning and see what is up. I appreciate the help Mica and I am less pissed now from your report Chief

 

[ericrapp]

All done and very pleased with the driving experience so far. Still comfortable but much more stable in and out of the turns. Chipped the paint on the front bar more than one spot but o well. I will check every thing for tightness monday afternoon. I put about 150 on in the hills and seems pretty much what I hoped for. In regard to clunking with wheels at full droop, as in airborne, I guess this means no more jumping the car at speed. The sacrifices geezThanks again fella's

 

[CnoTataymo]

That's good. Do you happen to have any pictures of your Cobb springs drop?

 

[ericrapp]

The rears are not settled it seems but sure I will try to get a picture to you before too long. I am very impressed with appearance at the front wheels with my wheels/tires it looks a little angry. my first impression. I really hope to run the car out this coming weekend and push the car and feel some performance advantage. Rechecked all hardware for torque and she is good to go I think.

 

[ericrapp]

As i get used to the difference my confidence is building with this setup. with the front bar and springs now on the steering is heavier but very stable at speed and I will have some adjustment to alignment I am going to leave the rear camber alone for now till the tires show me too much inside wear. Very happy. I will go take apicture now.