Improving your vehicle’s handling is one of the most effective modifications you can make, and a quality sway bar is the cornerstone of that upgrade. Also known as an anti-roll bar, it connects the left and right wheels, reducing body lean during cornering and creating a more planted, confident feel on the road. Whether you’re navigating tight turns or simply want a more stable daily drive, the right sway bar can make a world of difference.
ADDCO has been a trusted name in suspension components for decades, known for manufacturing durable and performance-oriented sway bars. This roundup focuses on their best offerings for a variety of popular vehicles, from classic muscle cars to modern SUVs. We’ll break down the key features and benefits of each kit to help you find the perfect match for your ride and driving style.
Our Top ADDCO Sway Bar Picks
- ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 2005-10 Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear
- ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro Front
- ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1970-81 Pontiac Firebird Rear
- ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1980-96 Ford Bronco (4WD) Front
- ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1966-70 Mercury Comet Front
- NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger and Maintainer
- ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1964-66 Ford Mustang Front
- ADDCO Front and Rear Sway Bar Kit for Honda Civic
- ADDCO Anti-Roll Sway Bar Kit for Toyota Tacoma
ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 2005-10 Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear
For FJ Cruiser owners looking to reduce body roll and improve stability on and off the pavement, this rear sway bar is an excellent upgrade. It’s designed as an exact fit for your vehicle, using the stock mounting points for a straightforward installation process. The kit includes all necessary new hardware, though you have the option to reuse your OE components if preferred.
Constructed from ADDCO’s high-grade steel and finished with a durable black powder coat, this bar is built to resist corrosion and last for the long haul. The inclusion of high-performance urethane bushings provides a more precise feel compared to standard rubber, translating to better feedback from the road and more responsive handling in various driving conditions.
ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro Front
This front sway bar is engineered to bring modern handling characteristics to your classic 1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro. It is a direct replacement for the original equipment bar, making it a straightforward bolt-on upgrade that doesn’t require complex modifications. The result is a significant reduction in body lean during cornering, giving your muscle car a more planted and aggressive stance on the road.
Like all ADDCO bars, it is made from high-grade steel and protected by a robust black powder-coated finish to fight off rust and corrosion. The durable urethane bushings included in the kit ensure a firm connection, minimizing deflection for a level of precision that old rubber bushings simply cannot match. This is a fundamental upgrade for any Camaro enthusiast focused on performance.
ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1970-81 Pontiac Firebird, Trans Am Rear
Enhance the rear suspension of your 1970-81 Pontiac Firebird or Trans Am with this performance-oriented sway bar. This specific kit supersedes older part numbers 220 and 680, representing the latest design and manufacturing from ADDCO. It is an exact fit for these classic models, ensuring a hassle-free installation that immediately improves chassis balance.
The bar’s construction prioritizes both strength and longevity, utilizing high-grade steel and a corrosion-resistant powder coat. The precision feel offered by the included urethane bushings allows for more communicative handling, helping to keep the rear of the car stable during spirited driving. It’s a key component for anyone restoring or upgrading a second-generation Firebird.
ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1980-96 Ford Bronco (4WD) Front
Taller vehicles like the 1980-96 Ford Bronco benefit greatly from a upgraded front sway bar to combat excessive body roll. This ADDCO kit is specifically designed for the 4WD models and utilizes the stock mounting points, making it a practical and effective upgrade. The improved stability is noticeable both on winding roads and during routine highway driving.
Built to withstand the elements, the bar features ADDCO’s signature high-grade steel and a durable black powder-coated finish. The high-performance urethane bushings provide a solid connection between the bar and the chassis, ensuring that the suspension inputs are communicated directly and effectively for a more confident and controlled driving experience in your Bronco.
ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1966-70 Mercury Comet Front
This front sway bar brings enhanced cornering capability to the 1966-70 Mercury Comet. It’s noted that this bar, part number 708, is designed for use with big block engine configurations, ensuring you get the correct component for your specific build. As a direct-fit replacement, it integrates seamlessly with your Comet’s existing front suspension.
The quality materials used in its construction—high-grade steel and a protective powder coat—guarantee durability and resistance to the environment. The inclusion of urethane bushings is a critical upgrade over aged OEM rubber, providing a tighter fit and a more immediate response when steering, which translates to a more engaging and secure drive.
NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger and Maintainer
While not a sway bar, a reliable battery is essential for any vehicle, especially those that may not be driven daily. The NOCO GENIUS1 is a compact yet powerful solution, acting as a full-featured battery charger, maintainer, and desulfator. It’s engineered to be 35% smaller and more powerful than previous models, making it a versatile tool for any garage.
This smart charger is compatible with a wide range of 6V and 12V batteries, including lead-acid and lithium-ion types found in cars, motorcycles, boats, and more. Its precision charging is enhanced by an integrated thermal sensor that adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature. This prevents overcharging in heat and undercharging in the cold, optimizing battery health and longevity.
ADDCO Sway Bar Kit for 1964-66 Ford Mustang Front
For owners of the iconic 1964-66 Ford Mustang, this front sway bar is a must-have upgrade to sharpen the car’s handling. It is designed as a direct replacement for the original equipment bar, ensuring a perfect fit and a straightforward installation process. The immediate effect is a substantial reduction in body roll, making your classic Mustang feel more modern and agile on the road.
Crafted from high-grade steel and finished with a durable powder coat, this bar is built to last. The high-performance urethane bushings eliminate the sloppiness associated with worn-out factory rubber, providing a direct and precise feel that improves driver confidence when navigating corners. It’s one of the most effective single upgrades for first-generation Mustang handling.
ADDCO Front and Rear Sway Bar Kit for Honda Civic
Upgrading both the front and rear suspension of your Honda Civic with an ADDCO kit is a comprehensive approach to handling improvement. A matched set of sway bars works to perfectly balance the chassis, reducing understeer and creating a neutral, responsive character. This is particularly beneficial for Civic owners who enjoy spirited driving or even occasional track use.
These kits are known for their exact fitment, ensuring they bolt directly onto your Civic without modification. The use of high-grade steel and a corrosion-resistant finish means they will withstand daily driving challenges. Combined with durable urethane bushings, this kit provides a significant upgrade in steering response and overall stability, transforming the driving dynamics of your vehicle.
ADDCO Anti-Roll Sway Bar Kit for Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a capable truck, but its higher center of gravity can lead to noticeable body motion. An ADDCO anti-roll sway bar kit is an effective solution to this, significantly reducing lean during cornering and creating a more car-like, stable feel on the road. This improves both driver confidence and passenger comfort during everyday driving and towing.
Engineered as a direct fit for the Tacoma, installation is simplified by using the factory mounting points. The robust construction, featuring high-grade steel and a protective powder coat, ensures the bar can handle off-road debris and weather exposure. With high-performance urethane bushings for precise feedback, this upgrade makes your Tacoma more composed and enjoyable to drive in a wide range of conditions.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best ADDCO Sway Bar
When I decided to upgrade my car’s handling, installing a sway bar was one of the first things on my list. A sway bar, or anti-roll bar, is a simple but incredibly effective piece of hardware that connects the left and right sides of your suspension. When your car leans in a corner, the bar twists, resisting that body roll and keeping the vehicle flatter. This gives you more confidence and control, especially during aggressive driving or on winding roads. ADDCO is a well-respected name in this space, known for producing robust aftermarket sway bars. But with different options available, knowing what to look for is key to making the right choice for your vehicle and driving style.
The first thing I consider is the bar’s diameter. This is the most critical factor affecting stiffness. A thicker bar will provide significantly more resistance to body roll than a thinner one. If you’re mostly driving on the street but want a sportier feel, a moderate upgrade from your stock bar might be perfect. However, if you’re into autocross or track days, you’ll likely want the thickest bar that makes sense for your setup. Remember, a bar that’s too stiff for your suspension can make the ride harsh and reduce traction over bumps. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
Next, think about the bar’s construction and finish. ADDCO sway bars are typically made from high-quality, cold-rolled steel, which is strong and durable. The finish is important for longevity, especially if you live in an area with road salt or frequent rain. Look for bars with a robust powder-coated finish or, even better, a zinc dichromate plating. This extra layer of protection fights off rust and corrosion, ensuring your investment lasts for years. Also, check what’s included in the kit. A complete kit with all necessary polyurethane bushings, brackets, and end links makes the installation much smoother. Polyurethane bushings are a big upgrade over rubber as they provide a more direct response and less flex.
Finally, you need to match the bar to your specific vehicle and its primary use. A front sway bar will primarily reduce understeer (when the car wants to go straight in a corner), while a rear sway bar will help control oversteer (when the back end wants to slide out). Many people, including myself, opt for a matched front and rear set to get a balanced improvement. For a comprehensive performance upgrade, reading a detailed 9 best ADDCO sway bar review for enhanced performance and handling can point you toward the ideal kit for your make and model. This research helps you understand how a particular bar will change your car’s character before you even turn a wrench.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of installing an ADDCO sway bar?
The biggest benefit I noticed was a massive reduction in body roll. When you take a corner, the car stays much flatter and more composed. This isn’t just about feeling sporty; it directly improves handling by keeping the tires more squarely planted on the road, which increases grip. It makes the car feel more predictable and responsive to steering inputs, giving you a lot more confidence whether you’re on a twisty backroad or just navigating a highway on-ramp.
Is it difficult to install a sway bar myself?
It depends on your mechanical skill and your specific vehicle. For some cars, it’s a relatively straightforward job that can be done in a couple of hours with basic hand tools and jack stands. For others, it might require more disassembly or specialized tools. The key is having a good set of instructions, which usually come with the kit, and taking your time. If you’re comfortable with jobs like changing brake pads or rotors, you can probably handle a sway bar installation. If not, it’s a job any competent mechanic can do quickly.
Will a thicker sway bar make my ride uncomfortable?
It can, but it’s a trade-off. A stiffer sway bar does transmit more of the road’s imperfections from one side of the car to the other. So, if you hit a bump with just the left-side wheels, the right side will feel it a bit more too. For a daily driver, a moderate upgrade usually doesn’t ruin comfort. However, going with an extremely thick, race-oriented bar on a street car might make the ride noticeably harsher over uneven surfaces. It’s about finding the right balance for your tolerance and driving needs.
Should I upgrade just the front, just the rear, or both?
This is a great question because it changes how the car behaves. Upgrading just the front bar will primarily reduce understeer. Upgrading just the rear bar can make the car more prone to oversteer, which can be fun on a track but tricky on the street. For most people, the best and safest bet for a balanced improvement is to upgrade both the front and rear as a matched set. This gives you a flatter cornering attitude without drastically altering the car’s fundamental handling balance.
Do I need to upgrade my end links when I install a new sway bar?
I highly recommend it. The stock end links are often designed for the weaker stock sway bar and may not be able to handle the increased forces of a stiffer aftermarket bar. Upgrading to heavy-duty end links, especially adjustable ones, ensures that your new sway bar can work as intended. It also prevents premature wear or failure. Most quality ADDCO kits either include new end links or strongly suggest which ones to use, making it an easy decision.
How does an ADDCO bar compare to other brands?
ADDCO has a long-standing reputation for quality and performance. Their bars are known for being durable and effective. When I was comparing options, I found that ADDCO often provides a significant performance gain over stock, with a focus on real-world handling improvement. While other brands might offer more extreme track-focused options, ADDCO sits in a great spot for enthusiasts who want a major upgrade without compromising too much on daily driveability. Checking out a dedicated 9 best ADDCO sway bar review for enhanced performance and handling will give you a direct comparison to other popular brands for your specific vehicle.