Newb needing confirmation if I understand DX and EX suspension setup
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PC Tech / Autocrosser
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Newb needing confirmation if I understand DX and EX suspension setup
*DX/VP/HX Civic do not come with Swaybars, front or rear.
*If you want to add one or the other, factory parts at the minimum, I would need to replace both the front and the rear lower(trailing) control arm so that the endlinks would have a place to mount.
*Another option as opposed to swapping out the control arm would be to fabricate or buy a pre-fabbed mount for the end links and have them welded to the control arms. Then of course you would have to drill holes into the center beam in order to attach the swaybar brackets/mounts. (for the rear)
Am I on the right track for understanding how it works?
*If you want to add one or the other, factory parts at the minimum, I would need to replace both the front and the rear lower(trailing) control arm so that the endlinks would have a place to mount.
*Another option as opposed to swapping out the control arm would be to fabricate or buy a pre-fabbed mount for the end links and have them welded to the control arms. Then of course you would have to drill holes into the center beam in order to attach the swaybar brackets/mounts. (for the rear)
Am I on the right track for understanding how it works?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Colorado
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Not quite right. I'm going through the same thing with my 04 hx which has no bars stock.
Your DX already has the mounts in the front subframe and front lower arms to mount a stock or aftermarket front bar. As far as I can tell, you should be able to use any size bar you want from any year LX, I'm not sure if bars from the EX are compatible with your DX. I do know that the HX/EX are compatible, because they both have cat converters under the floor, next to the bar. I don't think the DX/LX have converters there. All you need for the install is 2 endlinks and nuts, 2 clamping brackets with rubber donuts and bolts, and the bar itself. You can get all of it from the dealer for $130, or somewhere else if you want.
Your data on the rear bar is correct, there are no holes in the subframe so you have to drill those, and there are no mounts on the lower control arms, so you have to bolt some on, weld them on, or get different arms. Progress has a rear bar and some adapters that bolt on. OBX (ebay I think) also has a rear bar with a bolt on adapter for the arms. Other posters have used these with success. I'm looking to try stock class autocross which allows a front bar to be added but does not allow a rear bar to be added, so it's a non-issue for me. But if I were going to do it, I might choose the OBX kit because it looks like the adapter thing is steel and could be tack welded to the lower arms to prevent slippage. I'm leary of bolted on attachment points for the sway bar ends but that's just me...
Your DX already has the mounts in the front subframe and front lower arms to mount a stock or aftermarket front bar. As far as I can tell, you should be able to use any size bar you want from any year LX, I'm not sure if bars from the EX are compatible with your DX. I do know that the HX/EX are compatible, because they both have cat converters under the floor, next to the bar. I don't think the DX/LX have converters there. All you need for the install is 2 endlinks and nuts, 2 clamping brackets with rubber donuts and bolts, and the bar itself. You can get all of it from the dealer for $130, or somewhere else if you want.
Your data on the rear bar is correct, there are no holes in the subframe so you have to drill those, and there are no mounts on the lower control arms, so you have to bolt some on, weld them on, or get different arms. Progress has a rear bar and some adapters that bolt on. OBX (ebay I think) also has a rear bar with a bolt on adapter for the arms. Other posters have used these with success. I'm looking to try stock class autocross which allows a front bar to be added but does not allow a rear bar to be added, so it's a non-issue for me. But if I were going to do it, I might choose the OBX kit because it looks like the adapter thing is steel and could be tack welded to the lower arms to prevent slippage. I'm leary of bolted on attachment points for the sway bar ends but that's just me...
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