Will removing rear sway soften the ride?

[houndman]

I want to make the ride more compliant, to be easier on my bod, and
wonder how much the sway bar might make me feel the bumps more? Hate
to reduce the handling, but want a more comfortable ride for now.

VF

 

[Dano58]

I want to make the ride more compliant, to be easier on my bod, and
wonder how much the sway bar might make me feel the bumps more? Hate
to reduce the handling, but want a more comfortable ride for now.

VF

I don't believe that the anti-roll bar (because that's what it really
is) has much, if any, impact on the car's ride. But you need to be
careful about removing it if there is a front anti-roll bar, because
then you could really upset the handling. Probably the best way to
improve the ride might be to consider going to a smaller wheel and a
tire with a larger profile (sidewall). That way, you keep the same
overall diameter of the tire and wheel and therefore no impact to
speedometer, and get more cushioning from the tires. Of course,
handling will suffer.

VF, with all of the issues and comments you've made about this car,
are you really sure it's the right one for you?

Dan D
'99 Impreza RS2.5 (son's)
Central NJ USA

 

[houndman]

I don't believe that the anti-roll bar (because that's what it really
is) has much, if any, impact on the car's ride. But you need to be
careful about removing it if there is a front anti-roll bar, because
then you could really upset the handling. Probably the best way to
improve the ride might be to consider going to a smaller wheel and a
tire with a larger profile (sidewall). That way, you keep the same
overall diameter of the tire and wheel and therefore no impact to
speedometer, and get more cushioning from the tires. Of course,
handling will suffer.

VF, with all of the issues and comments you've made about this car,
are you really sure it's the right one for you?

Dan D
'99 Impreza RS2.5 (son's)
Central NJ USA

I don't think any car would be the Right one for me, since I like
and want certain things, but then I was never affraid to Make things
the way I wanted, and the Sube is no different. With my limitations
and disability from a chemical injury, there are just more things that
are needed to make me happy. I don't need any handicapped controls and
have wanted a stick again after Many years, though I get a workout
shifting and clutching, but a lot of that is from muscle damage,
though the clutch pedal grabbing higher would help, and I have to see
if it can be adjusted. I have been told it hydraulic, and read that it
might have a cable. Just have too much to do right now to check, IF
there Is an adjustment, it will get adjusted.

I went with the 2.5i because of the tires and softer suspension, I
always liked a fatter tire, even when 50series were the lowest
profiles, and you Used to have the options. I like handling, but also
like a decent ride. Hoping over bumps isn't my impresion of a decent
ride, and It can be done. Sometimes you can't get a stick, or a wagon,
or something else that definetly can't be changed. When you get
something that is exactly what you want, it Is Nice. I have Recaro
seats to put in the Sube. Being tall, I was never comfortable with
short seat bottoms, and I always looked at road tests on TV to see how
deep the seats were, but very few cars came with the extendable seat
bottoms, side thigh adjustments, and adjustable lumbar, and heat, So
why not add them??

I like power, but my usually slowed reaction times from my injury
usually make it something I can't use, but when I am functioning well,
I want it. I Thought about buying a WRX And 2.5i the same color and
swapping parts and selling the car I didn't want, but then the
intercooler hood scoop would have to go since I find it a distraction,
and a front mounted IC added, and that all seemed TOO complicated, so
went with what I can use now, with the idea of maybe changing the
drive train in the future, if I want to. I didn't want to put any more
money on the street than I had to, or pay higher insurance premiums.
Right now with all the minor mods I have planned, and the price I
paid, I'll about pay what they wanted a few weeks ago, just for the
car. If I can solve the minor problems, the car will be about perfect.
Pulling headrests did a Lot for visability, and the Recaro seats have
smaller ones.

VF

 

[Tony Hwang]

I want to make the ride more compliant, to be easier on my bod, and
wonder how much the sway bar might make me feel the bumps more? Hate
to reduce the handling, but want a more comfortable ride for now.

VF

Hi,
I don't think you don't understand what sway bar does.
Sway bar comprises bar, link, bushing. Soft cushy cushy ride you want?
Then install air struts or adjutable struts and set them to your liking.

 

[Tony Hwang]

I don't think any car would be the Right one for me, since I like
and want certain things, but then I was never affraid to Make things
the way I wanted, and the Sube is no different. With my limitations
and disability from a chemical injury, there are just more things that
are needed to make me happy. I don't need any handicapped controls and
have wanted a stick again after Many years, though I get a workout
shifting and clutching, but a lot of that is from muscle damage,
though the clutch pedal grabbing higher would help, and I have to see
if it can be adjusted. I have been told it hydraulic, and read that it
might have a cable. Just have too much to do right now to check, IF
there Is an adjustment, it will get adjusted.

I went with the 2.5i because of the tires and softer suspension, I
always liked a fatter tire, even when 50series were the lowest
profiles, and you Used to have the options. I like handling, but also
like a decent ride. Hoping over bumps isn't my impresion of a decent
ride, and It can be done. Sometimes you can't get a stick, or a wagon,
or something else that definetly can't be changed. When you get
something that is exactly what you want, it Is Nice. I have Recaro
seats to put in the Sube. Being tall, I was never comfortable with
short seat bottoms, and I always looked at road tests on TV to see how
deep the seats were, but very few cars came with the extendable seat
bottoms, side thigh adjustments, and adjustable lumbar, and heat, So
why not add them??

I like power, but my usually slowed reaction times from my injury
usually make it something I can't use, but when I am functioning well,
I want it. I Thought about buying a WRX And 2.5i the same color and
swapping parts and selling the car I didn't want, but then the
intercooler hood scoop would have to go since I find it a distraction,
and a front mounted IC added, and that all seemed TOO complicated, so
went with what I can use now, with the idea of maybe changing the
drive train in the future, if I want to. I didn't want to put any more
money on the street than I had to, or pay higher insurance premiums.
Right now with all the minor mods I have planned, and the price I
paid, I'll about pay what they wanted a few weeks ago, just for the
car. If I can solve the minor problems, the car will be about perfect.
Pulling headrests did a Lot for visability, and the Recaro seats have
smaller ones.

VF

 

[Tony Hwang]

I don't think any car would be the Right one for me, since I like
and want certain things, but then I was never affraid to Make things
the way I wanted, and the Sube is no different. With my limitations
and disability from a chemical injury, there are just more things that
are needed to make me happy. I don't need any handicapped controls and
have wanted a stick again after Many years, though I get a workout
shifting and clutching, but a lot of that is from muscle damage,
though the clutch pedal grabbing higher would help, and I have to see
if it can be adjusted. I have been told it hydraulic, and read that it
might have a cable. Just have too much to do right now to check, IF
there Is an adjustment, it will get adjusted.

I went with the 2.5i because of the tires and softer suspension, I
always liked a fatter tire, even when 50series were the lowest
profiles, and you Used to have the options. I like handling, but also
like a decent ride. Hoping over bumps isn't my impresion of a decent
ride, and It can be done. Sometimes you can't get a stick, or a wagon,
or something else that definetly can't be changed. When you get
something that is exactly what you want, it Is Nice. I have Recaro
seats to put in the Sube. Being tall, I was never comfortable with
short seat bottoms, and I always looked at road tests on TV to see how
deep the seats were, but very few cars came with the extendable seat
bottoms, side thigh adjustments, and adjustable lumbar, and heat, So
why not add them??

I like power, but my usually slowed reaction times from my injury
usually make it something I can't use, but when I am functioning well,
I want it. I Thought about buying a WRX And 2.5i the same color and
swapping parts and selling the car I didn't want, but then the
intercooler hood scoop would have to go since I find it a distraction,
and a front mounted IC added, and that all seemed TOO complicated, so
went with what I can use now, with the idea of maybe changing the
drive train in the future, if I want to. I didn't want to put any more
money on the street than I had to, or pay higher insurance premiums.
Right now with all the minor mods I have planned, and the price I
paid, I'll about pay what they wanted a few weeks ago, just for the
car. If I can solve the minor problems, the car will be about perfect.
Pulling headrests did a Lot for visability, and the Recaro seats have
smaller ones.

VF

Hi,
You like swaying(rolling) vehicle? How about air struts or adjustable
struts like KYB, Koni, etc.

 

[houndman]

Hi,
You like swaying(rolling) vehicle? How about air struts or adjustable
struts like KYB, Koni, etc.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

don't like swaying and rolling, but neither feeling every little
ripple in the street or road that can't be seen, harshley. I can see
feeling visable things, or some that you can't, but feels like the
streets and roads are washboards. One section of concrete highway that
looked new, cause a Clicking sound somewhere from the car or tires.
Strange noises make me wonder about problems happening, like maybe a
tire ready to come off, or some other danger.

Any experience with air or adjustable stuts? Would like to know
their range before replacing. I think the rear is the problem, being
much lighter, and the hop seems to come from the rear.

VF

 

[houndman]

Hi,
I don't think you don't understand what sway bar does.
Sway bar comprises bar, link, bushing. Soft cushy cushy ride you want?
Then install air struts or adjutable struts and set them to your liking.

I believe I know what a sway bar does, minimizes roll or leaning, but
figure if one wheel is going over a bump that the bar may add
stiffness to the wheel. Isn't a bar mounted to the body and twist like
a torsion bar? If the car isn't cornering, and one wheel goes over a
bump, it seems like the bar would restrict it some, maybe enough that
I wouldn'tt have to change struts.

VF

 

[Clifford Heath]

don't like swaying and rolling, but neither feeling every little
ripple in the street or road that can't be seen, harshley.

There's nothing for it but to get properly progressive dampers,
like the Koni's I've had on several cars (but not our Subie).
A progressive damper is very soft to small movements (though the
Koni's are adjustable as well), but sudden or hard movements
shuts down osme percentage of the oil holes and they become a
*lot* harder. The effect is truly astonishing - they can be as
smooth as glass during normal driving, yet they behave like a
hard sports shock when you chuck the car around. Truly the best
of both worlds, and I can't figure out why they're not universal.

The factors to choose from are the degree of progression (how
much firmer is it when firm - this is an on-off thing), and
the cutover point. I don't know how these factors are marketed,
but if you talk to a suspension guru they'll know what I mean.

Clifford Heath.

 

[Tony Hwang]

don't like swaying and rolling, but neither feeling every little
ripple in the street or road that can't be seen, harshley. I can see
feeling visable things, or some that you can't, but feels like the
streets and roads are washboards. One section of concrete highway that
looked new, cause a Clicking sound somewhere from the car or tires.
Strange noises make me wonder about problems happening, like maybe a
tire ready to come off, or some other danger.

Any experience with air or adjustable stuts? Would like to know
their range before replacing. I think the rear is the problem, being
much lighter, and the hop seems to come from the rear.

VF

Hi,
Air ones, you have to install pump( small compressor I'd say) which
comes with the kit. You have wide range of pressure adjustment to your
liking. Afdjustable strut has dial you turn from say number 1 to 5. Pick
the setting you like best. Also tire has lot to to road noise at freeway
speed. My son's Impreza has a set of KYB adjustable struts. Also you can
try diffrent set of springs.

 

[Tony Hwang]

I believe I know what a sway bar does, minimizes roll or leaning, but
figure if one wheel is going over a bump that the bar may add
stiffness to the wheel. Isn't a bar mounted to the body and twist like
a torsion bar? If the car isn't cornering, and one wheel goes over a
bump, it seems like the bar would restrict it some, maybe enough that
I wouldn'tt have to change struts.

VF

Hi,
It is easy, just crawl under and have a look. OEM sway bars are too
light for my liking. I put in heavier ones, replaced dinky plsastic
links with steel one, replaced cheap rubber bushing with Teflon ones.
All this kits are available easily.

 

[houndman]

I don't believe that the anti-roll bar (because that's what it really
is) has much, if any, impact on the car's ride. But you need to be
careful about removing it if there is a front anti-roll bar, because
then you could really upset the handling. Probably the best way to
improve the ride might be to consider going to a smaller wheel and a
tire with a larger profile (sidewall). That way, you keep the same
overall diameter of the tire and wheel and therefore no impact to
speedometer, and get more cushioning from the tires. Of course,
handling will suffer.

VF, with all of the issues and comments you've made about this car,
are you really sure it's the right one for you?

Dan D
'99 Impreza RS2.5 (son's)
Central NJ USA

I had a car that had struts and "I" beam lower control arms and the
sway bar was the 2nd connection to the body, which kept the I beam
from moving laterally. That is one reason I am asking, till I learn
the suspension and drive train. It is pretty busy under these cars. I
think the light rear end is the source of the problem. Going to try
adding weight, to see how much that helps, but rather not do that.

Guess I am spoiled from the Old days and being able to Build a car by
ordering what you wanted, from springs, shocks, brakes, tires, motors,
transmissions, manual or power steering and brakes, bigger radiators,
etc... I once ordered oversized manual (drum) brakes, with No power
assist, to have a good pedal feel, and more swept area. Dealers would
call before placing the order to ask if they had the right info.
Knowing I would be installing an aftermarket radio, I ordered a car
without one.
Also wanted the antenna in the rear of a 69' Charger, not in the front
where they put it.

VF

 

[houndman]

There's nothing for it but to get properly progressive dampers,
like the Koni's I've had on several cars (but not our Subie).
A progressive damper is very soft to small movements (though the
Koni's are adjustable as well), but sudden or hard movements
shuts down osme percentage of the oil holes and they become a
*lot* harder. The effect is truly astonishing - they can be as
smooth as glass during normal driving, yet they behave like a
hard sports shock when you chuck the car around. Truly the best
of both worlds, and I can't figure out why they're not universal.

The factors to choose from are the degree of progression (how
much firmer is it when firm - this is an on-off thing), and
the cutover point. I don't know how these factors are marketed,
but if you talk to a suspension guru they'll know what I mean.

Clifford Heath.

I have heard of progressive rate springs, but wasn't sure what range
the shocks had. Will look into them. It's Nice to have the best of
both worlds.))

VF

 

[houndman]

Hi,
It is easy, just crawl under and have a look. OEM sway bars are too
light for my liking. I put in heavier ones, replaced dinky plsastic
links with steel one, replaced cheap rubber bushing with Teflon ones.
All this kits are available easily.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Did the heavier sway bar stiffen the normal ride any?

I'll get under the Sube, but was just under it trying to get off what
looks like cosmoline off the calipers and rims, that has been spitting
out on the rims. Didn't think they still used it, but found what looks
like some around the rear wagon hatch hinges and spots in other
areas.

I guess I'm getting old, but strained my back pretty bad replacing
an exhaust system, that developed into sciatica, that I had to cure,
and last time while laying on cardboard, I got sores on my Butt, and
wasn't on my back that long. Figure there is So much, and so much
that is different, that having it on a lift to snoop would help a
lot.

VF

 

[David]

I want to make the ride more compliant, to be easier on my bod, and
wonder how much the sway bar might make me feel the bumps more? Hate
to reduce the handling, but want a more comfortable ride for now.

VF

You shoulda got the Forester. Taller, smoother ride and easier to
tweak.

 

[gotbent]

I want to make the ride more compliant, to be easier on my bod, and
wonder how much the sway bar might make me feel the bumps more? Hate
to reduce the handling, but want a more comfortable ride for now.

VF

Have you considered adding a padded cushion to your seat? That might just
add the plush you're seeking without compromising the suspension and
handling properties of the car and it would cost only a few dollars. I've
been using Supracor pads on my recumbent bikes and trike and they add a lot
of comfort.

 

[houndman]

Have you considered adding a padded cushion to your seat? That might just
add the plush you're seeking without compromising the suspension and
handling properties of the car and it would cost only a few dollars. I've
been using Supracor pads on my recumbent bikes and trike and they add a lot
of comfort.

I haven't really since I have Recaro seats I want to install, since
they have a seat bottom extender, and inflatable lumbar. The Sube
seats are a bit too firm and short, and adding a cushion to the back
rest would have me sitting further forward, and I don't think
cushioning will really get it.

Adding weight to the rear seems like the way to go for now, though I
don't like that idea.

VF

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I want to make the ride more compliant, to be easier on my bod, and
wonder how much the sway bar might make me feel the bumps more? Hate
to reduce the handling, but want a more comfortable ride for now.

VF

someday you might be able to get this suspension;

 

[houndman]

someday you might be able to get this suspension;

Now THAT'S a suspension. I thought Lotus's active hydraulics were
good.

VF