Rear sway bar replacement questions

[bmninada]

Did anyone here replace the stock rear sway bar (not links) with a beefy one like Corksport or Progressive?

Does it help noticeably with side to side sway? KE model 2016 AWD 2.5L.

Also, is there any guide? 1 shop quoted me 7 hrs. Another 4.5. Another 2.5. Very confused.

 

[N7turbo]

It's involved because the rear subframe has to be dropped just like if you were doing springs and adjustable LCA's. I doubt the 2.5 hour quote is accurate. Probably 4-5.

IIRC you're staying at stock ride height with the Koni's, but if you have anything else back there you want to knock out at the same time, this would be the time to do it.

 

[bmninada]

Ah well - thanks @N7turbo - really good you remember me.

Anyways - I think I'll skip it then. Just too big a cost on labor. Here in NJ its like $150/hr nominal these days and latest I am hearing many are even at $225/hr.
Debating should I go with KONI rear now that have KONI front. % benefit and while doing KONI rear (shocks) which is relatively easy anything else I should swap out while at it.

 

[Lazy2.5]

If the rear subframe needs to be dropped, I also doubt it will get done in 2.5hrs.

Funny enough, my mechanic found that one of my original rear end links was completely broken and the other had play in it just yesterday. Replacing these (Along with the installation of flow-formed wheels and pilot sport AS4 tires...) has dramatically transformed the handling of the car.

A thicker rear sway bar would be nice, but I think I would start with a significant wheel and tire upgrade first. That accounted for the single biggest improvement I have ever experienced in handling, with this vehicle. My car handles like a true sports sedan now. Flat, firm and composed, highly agile for it's size, very sharp, tons of road feel.

 

[N7turbo]

my mechanic found that one of my original rear end links was completely broken and the other had play in it just yesterday. Replacing these...has dramatically transformed the handling of the car.

I would think so. No end links = no sway bar

 

[Onyxone]

I saw a YouTube vid on it not long ago but can’t find it now. If they know how to do it they may only need 2.5hrs.

The fella was doing it diy in his driveway and only lowered the rear sub-chassis slightly not dropping it out completely. The new bar seemed to only need to be slipped in between the chassis and the body, and the mounts replaced and links attached.

You wanna know if they’ve done this particular job on the same car before regardless of their quoted time. 4.5hrs might still be an over quote by someone whose unfamiliar with the actual work or someone whos extra careful. You should be able to work that out by chatting with them