Remch

iTrader: (1)

Was wondering if someone had done this mod to his ISX50 AWD ? I read in the service manual that we need to: remove engine assembly with transaxle to replace the front sway bar !
Is this a joke or what? I can't believe I need to remove the engine for a damn sway. Can you guys give me some advice or tips on this mod please? Can it be done without removing the engine?
Thanks!

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

I have an AWD. When I was one messing with the stock one. It looked like the engine must be lifted up a few inches to clear the oil filter housing. Then you can maneuver the bar around to make it slide in. By lifting the engine I mean. Loosen up the motor mounts & maybe the trans mount removed also to be able to lift it properly. Some one that has actually done may chime in.

Aspect

I'm going to bump this thread since my sway bars are almost delivered as well. The most I could dig up on the matter was that the front was difficult/tricky and that you need to move the engine a bit. So far I have not found any DIYs even on the front sway bar for regular or non-awd ISs. Depending on the insight for this thread, I may or may not trust an independent shop for doing the front and may pay the stealership for the work for the front bar installation.

Remch

iTrader: (1)

I have the install instructions for the 2009+ RWD only, and it looks like it can be done easily, but not the AWD...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1qsnxyg5kf...0bars.pdf?dl=0

Aspect

Wow that looks really easy... I'll have to upload the AWD instructions to CL when I get them since nobody seems to have.

XSV

iTrader: (1)

check this thread for DIY installation

Also, the sway bars come with instructions if you bought the brand new. The instructions are straight forward.

Aspect

Yeah I've read those instructions many a times but my concern and possibly problem is the differences between the regular RWD and AWD instructions regarding the front sway bar installation. As the OP mentioned and what I've read here and there is that the installation for the front sway bar is a little bit more intensive on the AWD. I've not found a source anywhere yet that has stated that the process is the same between the two models.

Remch

iTrader: (1)

Yes that would be awesome if could do that for us, I have yet to found the pdf instructions from lexus. Btw, the sway bars kit for awd are no longer produced and is now discontinued...

Aspect

It's true that they are discontinued but it's still possible to obtain brand new F sport sway bars through places like eBay. I've been getting all my F sport parts through ebay even though the whole 2IS F sport accessories catalog is discontinued, pretty sure it's just places getting rid of old stock and such.

Aspect

Just got the sway bars in. Will upload the instructions later but in short - yes the subframe has to be lowered to install the front sway bar but the rear should be the same easy process as RWD.

Remch

iTrader: (1)

So it's not too hard to do then? How is your review of those bars ? Is it worth the money?
Thanks for sharing!

XSV

iTrader: (1)

Yes, they are worth the money if you want better handling (I have RWD not AWD).

Aspect

Here are the scans for the manual. Sorry that they are upside down... I realized this just now. Sorry I mislead you with my wording, I mean I just got the bars in the mail. They'll be fully installed along with my coilovers by next week. So my personal opinion will take about a week's time, else everyone praises them as the best bang for buck upgrade you can do so I have high hopes for them.

Reading over the front sway bar installation it seems very straight forward. The only things I see that would pose a problem would be any rusted bolts which is my recurring fear when working on the car.

Fixed: PDFs are now corrected

Aspect

Well I got stuck on even the easiest part - removing the bolts for the rear sway bar links - because of all the built up rust. Sigh, guess I got to bring it to a shop afterall

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

I would just hack saw the old ones off. Pull oem bar off, and add new endlinks to the F sport bar.