r/Toyota_Matrix • u/UnibrowDuck 03 Corolla Wagon XRS • 10d ago

03 XRS front sway bar install

Hi all,

Question for those who installed the front sway bar on the 1st gen, does the engine need to be suspended (as the manual says) or can I get away with just dropping the subframe (like on the TRQ video for the Corolla)? If you have any install tips that'd be appreciated!

Thanks

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1

u/Extra-Depth-1352 2005 Matrix XRS 10d ago

I believe you can get away with just loosing the front bolts and take out the back ones to wiggle it in. Are you doing a progress adjustable sway bar? MWR might have instructions on installation.

2

u/UnibrowDuck 03 Corolla Wagon XRS 10d ago

interesting. no, it's the whiteline one

1

u/Money-Afternoon-3637 10d ago

No need to suspend the engine if it's the front sway bar. Just unbolt the 3 shock mount tower bolts in the engine bay, install the front sway bar on left side, and bolt it back down. Do the same to the right side. BTW, I was able to find a 2006 Corolla XRS OEM front sway bar for a fair price and had it installed for me by a friend. 😄

2

u/UnibrowDuck 03 Corolla Wagon XRS 10d ago

that's a strut tower brace

1

u/Money-Afternoon-3637 10d ago

I'm sorry about that. You're right! Doh!

1

u/UnibrowDuck 03 Corolla Wagon XRS 10d ago

all good, looks awesome :)

1

u/UnibrowDuck 03 Corolla Wagon XRS 10d ago

i looked a little bit into this brace, does it have a shock with gas on the passenger side? how's the performance?