ordering some bolts today for the progress bar

 

Awesome, thanks for the info!

 

this. my skunk2 coilovers work fine with my progress bar

 

Got mine mounted up yesterday afternoon . . . count me in the camp that's unimpressed with Progress's mounting hardware. The stock springs will seat properly, but only by potentially damaging the lower spring rubber pad, especially on the passenger side. I'm doubtful you'd ever notice a problem with the setup as-is (short or long term), but in my opinion it's still a half-assed setup.

Yes, bolts with a low profile head are an easy solution (I just ordered a set from fastenal.com) . . . which is why there's no reason Progress shouldn't supply them in the first place.

I've only put a dozen or so miles on it since the install, but my initial on-road impression was that it drives pretty much the same as it did before. No initial negative side-effects (noise, harshness, etc.), and I haven't noticed any marked reduction in the semi-independentness of the rear suspension. So basically, if you don't push your car at all, you're not going to notice much difference. That may sound underwhelming, but I look at it as a positive . . .

Because when you do start to push your tires limits, there's a big difference in the cornering attitude. Definitely still on the "safe" side of neutral - but it's MUCH more confident on aggressive turn-in, lets you keep a much tighter line. And the rear end on quick lane change maneuvers is far more composed.

I've got some "before" videos I took of me fooling around in an empty parking lot. When I have a chance to record some "after" vids of me doing the same kind of maneuvers, I'll post them up in a different thread with a more complete review.

So overall, a thumbs up . . . despite me spending $15 on better hardware to swap in asap.

 

I've been on the stock mounting hardware with stock springs for six months or so. No issues yet. Sooner or later I might learn first-hand what the fuss is about, but for now it's all good.

 

There's no issues when using oem spring. Only when you upgrade to certain aftermarket ones is that you'd have problems.

 

My oem spring and progress supplied mounting hardware . . .

Driver's side:


Where the lower spring pad contacts the bolt heads, the pad is already deformed in order for the spring to drop all the way down where it should be. And this picture is at full droop, with the spring not completely pushed down in yet. How long before that rubber tears and the spring isn't as seated as it could/should be? That's my issue.

The problem is even more pronounced on the passenger side:

 

Based on my experience working with Jeeps and various spring pads and spacers, you guys are far more worried than you need to be.

Wait until someone comes around with a genuine problem.

 

Thanks Daemione. I said there were no fitment issues with the stock springs based on other ppl's opinions here, but there you go, it won't even seat well wit stock springs. And yes, I'd change those bolts if I were you, that rubber seat doesn't seem like it may last too long..

 

well i tried to buy a set of the bolts but they didnt want to break up the washers and nuts

6 bolts (1 sway bar)
50 pack nuts
50 pack washers

=$20.

 

Hmm, yeah it may be easier to find them separately at Ace Hardware or other hardware stores, but I ain't paying that much for bolts and nuts lol

 

Who is 'they'?

You can buy any amount you want from Fastenal.com . . . after shipping it still came to about $15, though.

 

thats where i went. i walked into the store its down the street from my dealership

 

Ah, gotcha. Yeah, there are a couple in my area - none of which stock the button head hex bolts.

 

well the chick was going to order them but i didnt want to pay $50+ dollars for all of it. trying to save money for Import Alliance. I just wanted to help out a few people here since the store is literally walking distance from my dealership.

i would be stuck with a crap load of nuts and washers i would have no use for, so it would be money thrown away

 

I agree!!

As for the bar, i installed mine today!! It seems like it's main job is to stiffen the rear axle... and it did that a lot!! I'll see how big of a difference it does in cornering ability later.. but i think i won't be dissapointed!!

As for the installation, my car allready had Vogtland lowering springs and it did well... i don't think the supplied hardware will be a problem at all!! anyway... We'll see...

Marko!!

 

Did a quick road test and even let 2 other persons drive the car for a ''Before and After'' comparaison...

It's my best ''Bang for the Buck'' mod for now!!

-The car used to be very sensitive to strong crosswinds, it's better now...
-Handling really improved...
-Slalom is way better too!!

It will improve handling more then lowering springs alone... As allready stated, if you don't know what suspention part to put on your car first, do the rear swaybar!!

Marko!!

 

Hey everyone, I think my sway bar is hitting my muffler, i can heard some hitting when I'm driving.. Anyone have the same problem?

 

Finally, i dont think its the sway bar who make noise.. sorry

 

Alright..so I finally got the Progress bar installed today. Installation went fine, although longer than I expected..after removing the springs, I had to use a couple of jacks to lift up the rear suspension to help the bar mount on the bolts..then once that was done, I lowered the rear suspension again and installed the springs back in place. I was lucky that the bar I bought from a member here already came with the proper bolts. It was a bit uncomfortable getting the sway bar where it had to go, and was kinda concerned that I'd have clearance issues, but it cleared the muffler just fine..
My opinions about the bar: I'm really happy with this addition to the car. I know some people have talked negative about it and how they can't tell a diference, however I do. Mind you, I have other suspension mods though. I'm lowered and also have a FUSB, so without a doubt these two mods help in handling already. The car feels in more control when pushing it harder around the corners..I was able to go at least 10-15 mph faster than before on my favorite on/off ramps/curves. The rear end feels much tighter now. The car now oversteers nicely..just enough to get it around the corners faster and almost got rid of the tedious body roll. So in conclusion, and as other members have already mentioned here, the Progress bar is great. Anyone planning on further improving handling on our cars should definately get it.