2003 with added rear swar bar

[PTOK]

Has anyone added a rear sway bar to a 2003, yet? According to DC its not needed, due to a "re-design".

[imdpapaa]

I contacted DC and they said it would degrade the handeling. i dont know but since i lowerd mine it handles like a slot car and rides a whole lot better. dont think the s-bar is needed....

[ContraAl]

There is a huge difference in the ride between my 02 and 03. I got the rear bar but I just have to get the connecting parts.

[iis2see]

So which rides better the 02 or 03?

[ContraAl]

The 02 LE is way better.. It's stock height, with just a strut tower bar and stock rims. The 03 is mushy around a corners and feels like a full size van.

[Mel K]

ContraAl, I agree with your assessment of the sloppier handling of the 03's compared to earlier models. I had an 01 Ltd and now have a GT. Please let me know who you got the rear sway bar from and what differences it brought about. The rear sway bars that I have seen advertised state that they are not for 03 models.

[Cal Cruzer]

I wouldn't just add a rear bar without putting on the correct front bar too. Adding a rear bar will just make the car push (understeer) more which a FWD car had a tendency to do anyway. If you really want to tune the suspension for the way you drive, you need to buy both bars and use adjustable droplinks so you can add or subtract preload. Also installing stiffer springs that are built for the car will help. It is a concert of parts in the suspension SYSTEM that will help handling, not just sticking a bar on. It will probably upset things more than it will help.

My $.02

[jenzpt]

It's not a matter if "it's needed." It's a matter if your satisfied with the stock performance. I have front and back Progress sway bars and love them.

[PTOK]

I'm in agreement with the thought of not mixing components; wouldn't it seem natural (???) to add a stock rear bar to a PT that has a stock front bar?

[ContraAl]

Yeah, I know about that.. That's why I got a stock bar from an 01..

I've also noticed that when going over bumps on a corner the back end rocks left and right A LOT more. It really gives me the feeling that the car is unstable..

Mel. I'll let you know.