Hotchkis Sway Bars on an MSRT...worth it?

**legmaker72** · 12-28-2006, 11:32 PM

When I put the Hotchkis Sways on my RT, it made a noticable difference, but the MSRT still handles much better. Now I'm not sure if I'm just getting used to it or it's softening up a bit...So I was wondering if the Sways made for the SRT make that much of a noticable difference over what comes stock on the SRT? How much more stout are the bars?
Thanks guys!

**da BoMM** · 12-28-2006, 11:38 PM

If I'm not mistaken, stock RT bars and SRT8 bars are the same -- I would guess you would feel the difference, just like you did on the RT.

**COOKZ32** · 12-28-2006, 11:50 PM

Hi C,
I asked the same question here, read post 13, I'm going to get them for my BEE.

Dan
http://www.srt8oc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4751n

**oldschool** · 12-28-2006, 11:56 PM

OK help me out real quick...I know the rear is a major PINA and the front is relatively easy. Is it the front that help more with roll or the rear? I am afraid to think its the rear because I don't want to screw around over there from what I have read.

oldschool

**GasGunR** · 12-29-2006, 12:00 AM

Pm drivesatransam He put them on his MSRT before he took it to Road America this summer.

Don

**CVP33** · 12-29-2006, 01:52 PM

I have the Hotchkis sways and KW V2's shocks. I always said I should've done one then the other to guage the improvement. I believe that most drivers could get away with the sways and be done with it. I will tell you that the two together make a HUGE difference in handling.

When I went to the SRT Track Experience I actually cooked about 4 corners before I realized that the stock 300C SRT-8's were just NOT going to turn in as crisp, level and hold their line half as good as my modified example.

**Magnumb_SRT** · 12-29-2006, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by legmaker72

When I put the Hotchkis Sways on my RT, it made a noticable difference, but the MSRT still handles much better. Now I'm not sure if I'm just getting used to it or it's softening up a bit...So I was wondering if the Sways made for the SRT make that much of a noticable difference over what comes stock on the SRT? How much more stout are the bars?
Thanks guys!

Not sure about the Hotchkis set-up but I had the Eibach system installed a few months ago and noticed the difference for sure. I believe the Hotchkis front bar is hollow and the Eibach is solid. Not sure if anyone has compared the two systems but as was mentioned....the RT and the SRT have the same diameter front and rear bars (confirmed by my dealer).

Basically what I really noticed when the Eibach was installed was how much tighter the car felt. I actually can't believe the SRT folks didn't upgrade the RT bars to a beefier level but I am quite happy with the Eibach now. I think with either set-up, you will notice the difference and it is well worth it. I had the front and backs done at the dealer because my lift was occupied with a dead car, but be prepared for a 3 hour total labour job, where 2 of that is the rear (a bitch apparently to do).

- Glen

**COOKZ32** · 12-29-2006, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by Magnumb_SRT

I had the front and backs done at the dealer because my lift was occupied with a dead car, but be prepared for a 3 hour total labour job, where 2 of that is the rear (a bitch apparently to do).

- Glen

Glen, Thanks for that I did not know another option was out there. I'm going to search and see if I can read other comments about the Eibach vs the Hotchkis.

I Had Saint Paul Automotive install my Hotchkis bars front and rear on my RT, he did both in less than 1 hour. He had a lift, did the front in about 5-10 min, then he rolled over a tranny lifter and dropped the whole rear end, old out, new in, 15-20 minutes tops. To bad I was talking to him, or he would have done it all faster. Of course he had the right set up, and all the handy tools ready to go!

Dan

**americanbulldog** · 12-29-2006, 06:46 PM

How often do you have grease the bushings? I have the Hotchkis TVS on the wife's truck and must grease the bushings every month to keep them from squeaking.

**COOKZ32** · 12-29-2006, 08:24 PM

I haven't yet Ameridog, Is that what that annoying squeaking is, ummmm, didn't notice anything until the weather turned.

**frtglobal** · 12-29-2006, 09:16 PM

I had the sway bars put on my SRT8 on Tues. The front is already squeaking, so I called the Les Shwab dealer where I bought them, and they said they squeak because the bushings are harder. It sounds like something is rubbing now when I enter or exit a parking lot. There has to be a better solution than to live with this. Any ideas?

**legmaker72** · 12-30-2006, 12:48 AM

I never had any squeeks on my RT with the Hotchkis bars on..but I guess you would just need to lube them up every once in a while.

So, now I'm wondering which is better...Hotchkis or the Eibachs....are there any other options out there? Mopar make any?

**DriveATransam** · 12-30-2006, 02:54 PM

heres my thread on it: front sway bar installed

they are a great addition. i highly suggest them

.

ps. solid vs hollow make no difference in handling. hollow is a ton lighter though. i had a solid 35 mm on my TA and it was close to 50 lbs.

**sidetrack** · 12-30-2006, 03:14 PM

The SRT Engineers were asked why the sways were so small on the 300cForums Q&A session on 12/13/06. From their answer, I read the reason is a stiffer sway may cause some instability at higher speeds.
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/srt...highlight=sway

Question
3) why would you put such a small sway bar on such a heavy car? especially the rear? i upgraded mine and turn-in is much better and under steer is almost completely eliminated.

SRT Engineer Answer
3) The vehicle has to pass transient stability testing. It also has to be stable in 150 mph lane changes where aero is a big player. We think we have a very good compromise of stability and handling balance. Eliminating understeer at 50 mph can be kamakazi(sp?) at 120 mph.