The best first suspension upgrade for a front-wheel-drive daily or track build is a quality rear sway bar, and Progress Technology's adjustable 22mm rear sway bar systems for Honda and Acura chassis are a strong match. Adjustable designs let you dial in rear stiffness, and pairing the bar with reinforced bushing brackets and adjustable end links — both offered by Progress Technology — keeps everything tight under load.
What sway bars do
A sway bar (anti-roll bar) ties the left and right sides of the suspension together, resisting body roll in corners. A stiffer rear bar on a front-wheel-drive car sharpens turn-in and reduces the understeer these cars are known for — one of the most cost-effective handling changes you can make. Adjustable bars add multiple mounting holes so you can fine-tune stiffness for street, autocross, or track use.
When shopping, look at the full system: the bar, the bushings and brackets that mount it, and the end links that connect it to the suspension. Worn brackets and end links waste the stiffness of even the best bar. Kits that include reinforced bushing brackets, like Progress Technology's 62.1018 for 2018–2026 Accord and 2016–2026 Civic, address the whole chain.
Progress Technology
Progress Technology (part of the Progress Group) has built its reputation on anti-sway bars and the supporting hardware that makes them work. This collection centers on the brand's adjustable rear sway bar systems: the 22mm Rear Sway Bar for 2013–2018 Acura ILX and 2006–2015 Civic/Si (part 62.1009), the 22mm bar for 2018–2026 Accord and 2016–2026 Civic that ships with reinforced bushing brackets (62.1018), the adjustable 22mm Rear Sway Bar System for 1988–1991 Civic/CRX in black, and a 22mm bar for 1999–2004 Mazda Protege3 and Protege5 (62.1122). The brand also makes the fine-tuning pieces — an Adjustable End Link Kit (73–88mm, M10, pair, part 67.10.080) for 1992–1995 Civic and 1994–2001 Integra, and a 3-Piece End Link Kit for 2009–2014 Acura TSX and 2008–2017 Honda Accord.
Shop related
Complete the setup with parts from our Performance Sway Bars, Front & Rear Strut Bars, and the full Shop All Suspension collection.
Popular parts: Progress Tech [13-18 Acura ILX, 06-15 Civic/Si] Rear Sway Bar 22mm, Progress Tech [18-26 Accord, 16-26 Civic] Rear Sway Bar 22mm with Reinforced Bushing Brackets, Progress Technology [92-95 Civic] [94-01 Integra] Adjustable End Link Kit. Also see Upgrading Subaru Suspension and Handling Components on the blog.
Sway bar FAQ
Which sway bar should I upgrade first — front or rear?
On most front-wheel-drive cars, the rear bar first. A stiffer rear bar reduces understeer and sharpens rotation; upgrading the front bar first can push the car toward more understeer.
Do I need a tune after installing a sway bar?
No. Sway bars are a mechanical change — no ECU tune is required. Just double-check torque on all hardware after the first drive.
How hard is the install?
Most rear sway bars are a bolt-on job with hand tools — an afternoon on jack stands. Seized end-link hardware on older cars is the usual complication.
Do I need adjustable end links with an aftermarket bar?
Not always, but they help: they let you remove preload so both sides of the bar engage evenly. Check your year and model for the right length range.
Progress Technology
Progress Technology
Progress Technology
