PANAMARED

Hello friends, I have serched through the forum reading the different mods that have been done to suspension in order to improve handling. I see most of them include lowering vehicle. The CL-S height (stock) is very convenient for me, down here I have to sometimes drive through awfull roads and even avoid traffic jams by using shoulders... many times have to go in dirt roads for a while and then back to highway... my CL-S is my almost every day driver (also have a truck but donīt enjoy it as much as CL-S)... would really like to get it to handle a bit better, I feel rear not to stable at high speeds. Still have stock shock absorbers, they are not dead yet but would not mind replacing them for something better. Is changing rear sway bar big help? All suggestions are highly appreciated. Roger

fsttyms1

With 87k on them they are due. Replace the shocks with something good like Koni Yellow or Bilstein. Get a sway bar kit (both) not just one.

dave586270

iTrader: (3)

He's right, the sway bar kit will tighten things up. A lot of members have them and swear by them. You can go aftermarket upgraded shocks without lowering. You can adjust dampening and ride height for a tighter feel. Thats part of why lowering the car helps the handling. Brings the center of gravity down and the springs are much harder than stock. With sways and new struts you should get what your looking for!

EDIT: Make sure to check the Black Market. There are really good deals on suspension stuff. Just what you need!

TCM 01 CL-S

Keep in mind that the 04-08 TL Rear Sway Bars will fit on our CLs. You can get the an OEM manual transmission 3G TL rear sway bar for fairly cheap (it is thicker than the one in the automatic tl and thicker than the oem on the cl).

The progress RSB I have made a nice difference. I haven't touched the front sway bar at the moment and not yet sure if I will.

bigguyonbike

tires will make a huge different

2Fast4you

iTrader: (1)

a good alignment will make a big difference too

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

u can still run stock spring and get tokico HP they are pretty cheap and really good and also Rear Sway Bar its gonna be nice upgrade and u will feel a big the difference

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

i say if u want a good sway bar, get the 3rd gen progress rear sway bar. biggest one available and its adjustable, soft or hard.

i have it and makes a huge difference on on/off ramps along with merging on the highway at higher speed. also race my tl and love it. makes it tighter.

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

i say if u want a good sway bar, get the 3rd gen progress rear sway bar. biggest one available and its adjustable, soft or hard.

i have it and makes a huge difference on on/off ramps along with merging on the highway at higher speed. also race my tl and love it. makes it tighter.

monkeybutt

With sway bar just get a thicker/stiffer rear bar and stay w/ the stock front.
You want to stiffen the rear to reduce understeer and help bring the ass around in these FWD cars.
Front bottom brace helped a bit w/ turn-in response.
Additional front strut and rear lower strut didn't feel like they added much to handling.

m733l

iTrader: (1)

strut bar, front and rear sway bar, new (stiffer) shocks. replace those and you'll def feel the difference. i believe you can also go with a lower cross bar for the frame.

01RedCLS

Where can I buy the 3rd gen Progress Rear Sway bar for an '01 CL-S?

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

black market, or pm one of our vendors, its about $120-$130

dfv3.2CL-S

iTrader: (1)

Make sure not to do stock shocks with lowering springs. it will not last to long. Overall, rear swaybar and front bar and strut bar will change the feel of the car in general. Also better tires will help. Good luck!!

CL-S progression 01

iTrader: (2)

for the record I just did this mod to my 01 cls and it KILLED all the sway you feel when you move the wheel quickly one way then back.

It makes a HUGE difference. And try to get moog sway bar links also. If you don't u won't get the full + out of it. and I personally put mine on the inside hole which is the stiffer set-up... And I have nothing but good things to say. I was contemplating getting ksport coilovers to solve my issue but after the progress rsb I was super happy. Now i'm gonna stick with my suspension and possibly get the front sway bar when I roll around to getting headers... so then it'll be an easy install.

I'd say for the $ this is the ultimate mod. you'll understand when u get it

fsttyms1

Adding a front bar will make an even better. I installed the rear one and yes it made a difference (one that made the back end really want to come around more than it already did) adding the front with it made the largest difference. Car is very neutral with a nice hint of oversteer. If you know how to drive these FWD cars the back end already likes to rotate in corners.

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

^agree. Happens to me when I take it auto xing. I'm gonna to get the front one also. What u guys think of a rear under car brace? Something the the cusco under bar brace but for the rear?

ThaTRUF

iTrader: (1)

Glad I ran into this page. A lot of things I have been thinking about have been addressed.

2Fast4you

iTrader: (1)

so the fsb will help handleing alot if I already have the rear bar

PANAMARED

wao! really happy I asked the question, you guys are really helpfull. think I will first replace 4 shock absorbers, will shop around locally to see what I can find good and ask for your opinion, if nothing available here will order and ask for suggestions... will also start looking for the 3rd gen progress rear sway bar. Front bar will be next step, tires are preety good, I have 17 inch Mille Miglia with 215/45 Pirellis... those will be replaced next year. thanks again friends!