17" VS 19" Tires vs Sway bars

[le franc]

I preferred the firmer ride of the Highlander Sport but I'm getting a 2007 Hybrid (non-Limited) and the Hybrid is not available as a Sport model. I plan to tune my Hybrid to ride more like the Sport. Currently I have 17" wheels, so I'm considering a beefier sway bar and/or 19" wheels. Can anyone comment specifically on how changing from 17" to 19" wheels impacted their Highlander, if anything at all? TRD doesn't offer a sway bar for this vehicle...has anyone found a package?

Thanks.

[LifeTech]

An OE 17" wheel/Tire combo (225/65-17), standard on 06-07 Limited and Sport models, will give yu plenty of what yu want without creating a harsh noisey ride.

Getting the 06-07 Sport springs, F+R stabilizer bars and struts will give the Sport's Suspension.
Yu will need to source your parts from Toyota. No one else makes aftermarket performance Stabilizers or performance Struts and Springs.

I feel that my 06 Limited is firm enough in the Spring dept , but I feel that the Sport's F+ R Stabilzer Bars would really improve my ride.

I have looked into doing the job. The Rear Stabilizer Bar is a pain in the Butt to remove and install on a 4WD 1st gen. HL.

LT

[le franc]

OK, thanks. Looks like I can ignore the wheels and just focus on the stabilizer bars, struts and springs. I will have a 2WD so you are saying the R stabilizer will not be as difficult. Great, will talk to the dealer about parts.

[memaster]

Originally Posted by LifeTech

.... Getting the 06-07 Sport springs, F+R stabilizer bars and struts will give the Sport's Suspension.
Yu will need to source your parts from Toyota. No one else makes aftermarket performance Stabilizers or performance Struts and Springs...
LT

It sounds like that 06-07 HL Sport uses different (firmer) springs and F+R stabilizer bars as oppose to all other years HL? If so, do the HL Sport's springs have shorter length other than higher spring rate? Do our regular AWD HL come with F+R stabilizer bars but just thinner?

[LifeTech]

[quote=memaster;1013804]It sounds like that 06-07 HL Sport uses different (firmer) springs and F+R stabilizer bars as oppose to all other years HL? If so, do the HL Sport's springs have shorter length other than higher spring rate? Do our regular AWD HL come with F+R stabilizer bars but just thinner?[/quote

The 06-07 Sport height spec. did not change compared to the Base or Limited models. I imagine the Spring Height was unchanged. Just stiffer Coils I surmise.