Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars

[Meister]

Originally Posted by sorbs

Springs, bars and alignment $350. $500 for just the bars? Wow, PT Barnum was right!

I've checked locally. Shops will install & adjust the KW V2s, install the Hotchkis sways, and do the alignment for $300.

A fair price.

[shanemcse]

Originally Posted by Meister

I've checked locally. Shops will install & adjust the KW V2s, install the Hotchkis sways, and do the alignment for $300.

A fair price.

Thanks for the good info.

When the sway bars get replaced does it mess up the alignment?

[Meister]

Originally Posted by shanemcse

...When the sway bars get replaced does it mess up the alignment?

It shouldn't, Shane. Altering ride height changes alignment. TMK the stiffer anti-sways don't alter ride height appreciably, if at all.

And I just now checked the instrux to be sure - no mention of a re-alignment being needed.

[shanemcse]

Originally Posted by Meister

It shouldn't, Shane. Altering ride height changes alignment. TMK the stiffer anti-sways don't alter ride height appreciably, if at all.

And I just now checked the instrux to be sure - no mention of a re-alignment being needed.

Thanks. That will save me some money.

I just ordered the Hotchkis sway bars from http://www.vividracing.com my total with 2nd day delivery was $348.72. Thats the best price I could find with 2nd day delivery.

I am looking forward to getting them installed.

[obiwan]

Originally Posted by Meister

It shouldn't, Shane. Altering ride height changes alignment. TMK the stiffer anti-sways don't alter ride height appreciably, if at all.

And I just now checked the instrux to be sure - no mention of a re-alignment being needed.

You have to drop the rear cradle which is subject to alignment so, you will need a 4 wheel alignment when you finish the install. Maybe not for the front but for sure on the rear.

[Meister]

Originally Posted by obiwan

You have to drop the rear cradle which is subject to alignment so, you will need a 4 wheel alignment when you finish the install. Maybe not for the front but for sure on the rear.

It's interesting, obi, that the sway bar instrux make no mention of a rear alignment being necessary. I'd be willing to bet that when my KWs arrive in a few days that their instrux will include the requirement for a front alignment.

Is the rear cradle, perchance, designed to be sufficiently re-alignable, by hand, to one specific position to render a rear alignment unnecessary under ordinary circumstances?

[srtdan]

huge difference in size between stock and the hotchkis,the rear swaybar will take a lil time,the front was very fast and easy to do.

[Meister]

Checked with my highly knowledgeable 5-Star tech today and was informed that a rear wheel alignment is, in fact, required - precisely as Obiwan has stated earlier.

A major pox on Hotchkis for not noting this requirement in their instructions!

The cynic in me says this was an intentional omission to not lose sales because of the price bump that a rear wheel, at least, alignment adds to the cost of the kit.

And tbyrne, this is info for you to pass along up front when you advertise these items.

I'll be adding KW V2s at the same time as the Hotchkis sways so I'll be taking her to the dealer for a full 4-wheel alignment after installing the 6 components.

[Sleeper300]

Here in Vacaville, i asked a number of shops small and large, the only one that would do the job Wants---- $800 + which to me is a rip-off. Seems Techs today just aren't very motivated to make a quick buck. Should easily be under 2hrs with a lift and since car is NEW, alignment is a breeze.

Just my take on that, so i'll get the Job done in my driveway like Wise 1 Obiwan has done himself. Just have to get my LandCruiser off my Stands for the job.

Ordered Bars, waiting delivery, then it's ON. KW's-V2's + Bars =

[sorbs]

Originally Posted by Sleeper300

Here in Vacaville, i asked a number of shops small and large, the only one that would do the job Wants---- $800 + which to me is a rip-off. Seems Techs today just aren't very motivated to make a quick buck. Should easily be under 2hrs with a lift and since car is NEW, alignment is a breeze.

Just my take on that, so i'll get the Job done in my driveway like Wise 1 Obiwan has done himself. Just have to get my LandCruiser off my Stands for the job.

Ordered Bars, waiting delivery, then it's ON. KW's-V2's + Bars =

Go to Big O. With an alignment mine was only $350 for sways and springs. I had mine done at Big O in El Dorado Hills. Coilovers shouldn't be anymore than springs...but I will leave that expertise to those that have done them.