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Rear Sway DIY (with your help) install - Post MOTD

 
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:08 PM
  #1  
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Rear Sway DIY (with your help) install - Post MOTD

Anyone willing/able to help me install a rear sway after you guys get back from the dragon? Ill come to you, I have no tools (or if I do have the tools I don't know it.) I got a killer deal on one but don't want to buy it without being able to install it.
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:11 PM
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if you truly feel you have found a killer deal.. get it!!! Worry about the installation after (even if it's way after)
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:14 PM
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installation could be a bear...it's not easy...
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by classicfreq
if you truly feel you have found a killer deal.. get it!!! Worry about the installation after (even if it's way after)
The person I'm getting it from is willing to hold it for me for a few days while I check on an install , so I don't have to worry about it being stolen from me.
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeremy1026
Anyone willing/able to help me install a rear sway after you guys get back from the dragon? Ill come to you, I have no tools (or if I do have the tools I don't know it.) I got a killer deal on one but don't want to buy it without being able to install it.
I can give you the best deal of all......
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by JustJAY
I can give you the best deal of all......
on a 22mm adjustable?
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:32 PM
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I'll help you but you would have to come to Newport News Va.
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:04 PM
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i can probably help you out if you are in need. i had mine done because i was lazy, but after i saw them do it it seems fairly easy enough. hard part is getting that big *** pry bar unde the subframe and going creeeeeaaak.
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeremy1026
on a 22mm adjustable?
Dude, I am not going to tell you how to spend your $$$, but you don't need all that sway bar. You don't drive hard enough for it.
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:13 PM
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I wouldn't recommend doing your own install unless you have the proper tools.

I'll be upgrading soon. I'm pretty familiar with the install, but since my tool box is limited, and so is my time, I'll pay the $70 to have it done right.
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:21 PM
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Hey Jeremy1026,

I'm not in the DC area or I would help you. I installed my H-sport rear sway 3 weeks ago and it is not that difficult, providing of course that you have a floor jack, jack stands etc. I ended up doing some Saturday afternoon tool purchases as I didn't realize that I was missing tools like a 16mm socket. I looked at DIY threads and compared those to the instructions that came with the sway bar. You are smart to check on the forum to see if someone is able to help you. If you haven't tinkered with cars and have a basic tool set, it makes a lot of sense to barter with fellow NAMers in your area! For example, you do not need a big pry bar and lots of muscle to install it. It's more like a rubics cube.

Personally, I think it's a much more fun experience to bond and barter with a fellow Mini enthusiast then shell out the hourly expense to have your local dealer install this. I'm not sure how many hours the "book" shows for sway bars, but I'm pretty sure it's at least 2 hours. Good luck! And... unless you drive conservatively, it's quite noticeable!
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by JustJAY
Dude, I am not going to tell you how to spend your $$$, but you don't need all that sway bar. You don't drive hard enough for it.
I'm not sure if you've seen me motoring around anywhere before, besides the MHTH run when my mom was with me constantly yellin "SLOW DOWN!"...there is a slight-reason why I have a court date next month.
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:22 PM
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OK, I posted my response and then saw **** David's remarks about spending $70 for the install. If you can find a mechanic to do this for $70... go for it!
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:26 PM
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Sorry for posting non sequitor notes, but I just noticed that I was censored from writing dickdavids NAM name. Hmmm. Guess the word **** is not allowed in the www world? Or the NAM world?
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:31 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by Jeremy1026
I'm not sure if you've seen me motoring around anywhere before, besides the MHTH run when my mom was with me constantly yellin "SLOW DOWN!"...there is a slight-reason why I have a court date next month.
I know, I'm being a thread hog, but your comments make my day! In my case, my mother, who was 83 at the time, loved my Mini driving antics. It was my wife who tells me to slow down!!!!!!!!
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:31 PM
  #16  
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the original swaybar off the "S" is all the swaybar upgrade you need on a Cooper non "s". The installers at the Dragon will be giving them away. Have someone bring one home for you.
 

Last edited by Sam; Apr 9, 2007 at 07:39 PM. Reason: left something out
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JustJAY
Dude, I am not going to tell you how to spend your $$$, but you don't need all that sway bar. You don't drive hard enough for it.
I agree with Jay but don't u need an airbag... All the money you seem to be blowing lately (whole works polish/wax kit, new camera, possible skirts from someone in FL, and now this)....What the Heck. I'd rather have a safe car than a nice looking one, but hey that's just me.

Originally Posted by Jeremy1026
I'm not sure if you've seen me motoring around anywhere before, besides the MHTH run when my mom was with me constantly yellin "SLOW DOWN!"...there is a slight-reason why I have a court date next month.
Not something I would freely post on a public board... exp since u've not had the court date yet
 

Last edited by krolyat; Apr 9, 2007 at 07:39 PM.
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by krolyat
I agree with Jay but don't u need an airbag... All the money you seem to be blowing lately (whole works polish/wax kit, new camera, possible skirts from someone in FL, and now this)....What the Heck. I'd rather have a safe car than a nice looking one, but hey that's just me.


Not something I would freely post on a public board... exp since u've not had the court date yet
The Prima was ordered 8 days prior to the airbag light.
 
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 04:42 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Jeremy1026
I'm not sure if you've seen me motoring around anywhere before, besides the MHTH run when my mom was with me constantly yellin "SLOW DOWN!"...there is a slight-reason why I have a court date next month.
You don't need a 22mm sway bar to go fast down I95. Plus, it won't slow you down or save your passenger in an accident. Oh well, to each their own. If you want better handling, get off of those touring tires and get some performance tires instead.

I don't blame you though, there reallly is so much you can do to an MC.
 
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 04:53 AM
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Originally Posted by dimini
OK, I posted my response and then saw **** David's remarks about spending $70 for the install. If you can find a mechanic to do this for $70... go for it!
Yeah, we have a local guy who is awesome with MINIs. He does tons of stuff for the local group. I probably wouldn't take an aftermarket mod to my dealership. They're very expensive. I agree, that I would rather hang out with my MINI buddies and install it myself, but I got an earful from staying out all day at my last wrench-a-thon.

Originally Posted by dimini
Sorry for posting non sequitor notes, but I just noticed that I was censored from writing dickdavids NAM name. Hmmm. Guess the word **** is not allowed in the www world? Or the NAM world?
That's interesting. My board name is derived from my first name Richard. Since when is 'D1ck' considered profanity? If it's because of the phallic reference, then other words like 'Peter' should be banned as well. I dare not mention the word for the male chicken, and I'm not talking about a rooster. I do realize that in context, my name can be use in a derogatory way, so I understand why NAM has done this. They can't depend on folks to always keep it clean around her.

BTW. SORRY FOR THE TOPIC SHIFT.
 

Last edited by dickdavid; Apr 10, 2007 at 05:02 AM.
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 05:08 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by JustJAY
You don't need a 22mm sway bar to go fast down I95. Plus, it won't slow you down or save your passenger in an accident. Oh well, to each their own. If you want better handling, get off of those touring tires and get some performance tires instead.

I don't blame you though, there reallly is so much you can do to an MC.

So, a swaybar for a MC is a waste of $$? - Most other comments I've heard are more like - "do it, you'll notice the difference", "worth the money". Why do you think different?
 
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 05:13 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by dickdavid
Since when is 'D1ck' considered profanity? If it's because of the phallic reference, then other words like 'Peter' should be banned as well.
HAHA! On the other hand, there are those that probably think that I'm a "Richard" and should be banned!

-Peter
 
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by FeedBack
HAHA! On the other hand, there are those that probably think that I'm a "Richard" and should be banned!

-Peter
 
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 09:43 AM
  #24  
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Funny thing about sawy bar.. be4 going to MINI UNITED 2005 I was thinking about the sawy bar and during the ride with Rauno Altonen I asked him about it and his answer was something like " Before installing one, test it.. and before spending money on a sway bar get a couple of sets of really really good tires " of course, this was the day after I first saw the GP

.. and Jeremy do what you like and spend your money in the way that suit you best... after all you are 18 !!!
 
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by rjyoder4
So, a swaybar for a MC is a waste of $$? - Most other comments I've heard are more like - "do it, you'll notice the difference", "worth the money". Why do you think different?
No, I am not saying not to do a sway bar on an MC, what I am saying is that I think a 22mm is a waste of $$$ on an MC. IMO, a 19mm is the best route for an MC that is not being tracked/autocrossed.
 



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