Making sway bars

[Hobbes]

i own an 88 323 gtx and i want to weld a sway bar for the rear. i was just going to go to the hardware store and buy some steel pipe... any tips? :wtf:

 

[njaremka]

Tip 1: Don't ghetto rig your suspension like that, unless you want to kill yourself.

Tip 2: If you can't get an aftermarket bar already made for the car, find a place that will custom make one for you.

 

[flat_black]

Welcome to the board! I don't see many early generation Protege owners here, so it'll be nice to broaden the demographic a bit. =)

My suggestion would be to go to a suspension shop and have them do the work if you're not particularly suspension-tuning inclined. Back when I owned my 1988 Volvo 740, I made a strut tower brace with high gauge steel tubing and a drill press. Went from either strut tower to the firewall, then over the engine. Then I proceded to make the rear brace with help from a friend with lots of rally experience and a pipe bender. He thought I was crazy, which I am, but hey... It all worked out. =) It's a lot of work, and a LOT lot of measuring and sizing things up, so if you can, get one that's predesigned for your car, if not, be careful, and take your time, consult experienced people, and get creative. That's my suggestion.

 

[flat_black]

Oh, and as far as the rear SWAY bar... I wouldn't suggest doing that on your own at all. =) Strut braces are one thing, sway bars are a different animal entirely.

 

[flat_black]

Man, I'm just popping up the post counter today, huh? Hehee... I just found this page on Corksport for you. LOTS of sways available, and it looks like your best bet would be the J-spec 20mm sway bar, at about $120.

http://www.corksport.com/main.php3?primNavIndex=0&mainURL=/store/index.php3?cat=220780

But there you go... Corksport has a lot of cool stuff for early Protege's, as well as new.

 

[Hobbes]

thanks for the help, ive been looking for a good 323 parts site

 

[flat_black]

No problem! Old 323's kick butt. =)