New Suspension

[MyZmZm]

I'll be changing out the suspension on my beast in a couple months: Ion Sport springs, Tokico Illuminas, and RB rear sway bar. And adding the MSP rims (hopefully with new rubber). (drive) Can't wait for spring...

I've got the stablilizer plates, bushings, etc to go with the sway bar, and I'll be getting the longer endlinks from the protege with the regular protege.

Is there anything else I will need or should get if I'm doing all of this?

[Aric]

I would personally go with the 21mm rear bar from AWR over the mazdaspeed one. with the mazdaspeed bar you WILL get the clunk. The AWR is mounted different and has a different shape, thus no clunk. It will also provide a more resistance to sway than the mazdaspeed one. On the down side the rear end of the car will be slightly more likely to slide than with the mazdaspeed or stock bar, but you can adjust for that by changning your driving style.

Or if you would like to try the progress sway bar kit (larger front and rear) that is another option, although getting at the front sway bar is a PITA I hear.

[MyZmZm]

I would personally go with the 21mm rear bar from AWR over the mazdaspeed one. with the mazdaspeed bar you WILL get the clunk. The AWR is mounted different and has a different shape, thus no clunk. It will also provide a more resistance to sway than the mazdaspeed one. On the down side the rear end of the car will be slightly more likely to slide than with the mazdaspeed or stock bar, but you can adjust for that by changning your driving style.
I will? I know several guys locally have the RB rear sway bar and they haven't reported any 'clunk' issues... With my car being a rear-round daily driver (unfortunately), I don't want things to get too twitchy in the ass-end. Winter can be fun enough at times, as I'm sure you're well aware. :)

Or if you would like to try the progress sway bar kit (larger front and rear) that is another option, although getting at the front sway bar is a PITA I hear.
I thought you were supposed to be the "Protege Wrench Turner" - something Aric doesn't know? (boom7) :tongue: (sorry, had to!)

[XelderX]

The AWR bar can be adjusted out to be about as soft as the RacingBeat bar. The Ion springs are going to stiffen the ride up a little but the overall balance between the front and rear won't change much so the AWR bar won't upset things too much. The AWR allows you adjustablility so in the winter you can back it way off and then tighten it again in the summer for those spirited drives.

[Aric]

I thought you were supposed to be the "Protege Wrench Turner" - something Aric doesn't know? (boom7) :tongue: (sorry, had to!)

ok just because I have not dropped the subframe on the car yet doesnt mean I dont "know" how to do it :tongue:

[XelderX]

ok just because I have not dropped the subframe on the car yet doesnt mean I dont "know" how to do it :tongue:


Don't worry...you don't have to drop the whole subframe. Just loosen the front and drop the back of it just enough to twist out the swaybar through the wheel well. If you go too far you'll pull the steering column out of the steering rack. Learned that the hard way.