[TEKSMRT]

Alright, some good news! I have compiled a list of all of the compatible factory sway bars our cars came with as well as the NX ones if you want to upscale the thickness of your front or rear sway bar. We recently got 3rd row springs and the 2018+ NX300 rear sway bar as it is 24mm and the largest rear sway bar available for us for the price. A lot cheaper than the 25mm solid version out there and my friend is on a budget. It came with new end links which he needs as well for his car! Should stiffen up the rear nicely and hopefully allow us to induce some oversteer like my Highlander.


REAR SWAY BUSHINGS:
48818-78010 - 20mm (2015-2017 NX300h)
48818-78040 - 21mm (2018-2021 NX300h)
48818-0R010 - 22mm (2006-2012 RAV4)
48818-78020 - 23mm (2015-2017 NX200t)
48818-0R030 - 23mm (2013-2018 RAV4)
48818-78030 - 24mm (2018-2021 NX300)

REAR SWAY BARS:
48812-78010 - 20mm (2015-2017 NX300h)
48812-78040 - 21mm (2018-2021 NX300h)
48812-0R010 - 22mm (2006-2012 RAV4)
48812-78020 - 23mm (2015-2017 NX200t)
48812-0R030 - 23mm (2013-2018 RAV4)
48812-78030 - 24mm (2018-2021 NX300) - We bought this one

FRONT SWAY BUSHINGS:
48815-42070, 48815-42080 - 22.2mm (2006-2009 RAV4 JPN)
48815-0R010, 48815-0R020 - 23.4mm (2006-2012 RAV4 NA, 2006-2009 RAV4 JPN w/3rd row, 2010-2012 RAV4 JPN)
48815-0R070, 48815-0R080 - 25.4mm (2013-2018 RAV4 ALL MODELS)
48815-78011, 48815-78021 - 26.5mm (2015-2017 NX200t, 2018-2021 NX300)
48815-78031, 48815-78041 - 27.2mm (2015-2021 NX300h)

FRONT SWAY BARS:
48811-42060 - 22.2mm (2006-2009 RAV4 JPN)
48811-42071 - 23.4mm (2006-2012 RAV4 NA, 2006-2009 RAV4 JPN w/3rd row, 2010-2012 RAV4 JPN)
48811-0R011 - 25.4mm (2013-2018 RAV4)
48811-78010 - 26.5mm (2015-2017 NX200t, 2018-2021 NX300)
48811-78020 - 27.2mm (2015-2021 NX300h)

VERY interesting. Did you already install this?

The "48812-78030" bought doesn't appear to be the same shape as my RSB. Have you installed this yet? Is your Rav4 4WD? If it does fit, that is a nice cheaper "factory upgrade" option for sure!

 

[2011BaseV6]

I’ve found some time to install the bar and springs this weekend. It is indeed an AWD (incl the donor Lexus NX). This sway bar is MASSIVE, makes even my aftermarket Addco on my Highlander look kinda skinny. Should be 42% stiffer than the stock 22mm bar according to the sway bar stiffness formula. Might try to get a matching set of Lexus NX front struts as well to compliment the rear shocks.

 

[ridethecliche]

I’ve found some time to install the bar and springs this weekend. It is indeed an AWD (incl the donor Lexus NX). This sway bar is MASSIVE, makes even my aftermarket Addco on my Highlander look kinda skinny. Should be 42% stiffer than the stock 22mm bar according to the sway bar stiffness formula. Might try to get a matching set of Lexus NX front struts as well to compliment the rear shocks.

Wait, the lexus NX struts are a direct swap? Different damping etc?

Yeesh, all these newer posts with folks finding oem parts to fit makes me feel silly for having spent a bunch on the megan bars. Atleast mine are prettier! 😂

 

[2011BaseV6]

Yes they do! So do the NX sway bars! (Stock was 22mm, NX was 24mm solid as expected). 3rd row springs were a nice compliment as well. They have an extra coil on them, but are the same thickness. Transfer over your old coil spring isolators and sleeves.

The rear has been stiffened up nicely! The 2018+ NX (non-hybrid) sway bar is the best bang for buck for sure! OE bushings fit perfectly in the original brackets and the sway bar end links were identical as well. Will post updates after more driving.

 

[TEKSMRT]

Yes they do! So do the NX sway bars! (Stock was 22mm, NX was 24mm solid as expected). 3rd row springs were a nice compliment as well. They have an extra coil on them, but are the same thickness. Transfer over your old coil spring isolators and sleeves.

View attachment 169306

View attachment 169307

View attachment 169308
View attachment 169305
View attachment 169309

The rear has been stiffened up nicely! The 2018+ NX (non-hybrid) sway bar is the best bang for buck for sure! OE bushings fit perfectly in the original brackets and the sway bar end links were identical as well. Will post updates after more driving.

Excellent find and great contribution to the group with the part numbers! [emoji122]

 

[2011BaseV6]

Thanks! This was definitely a worth-while upgrade. All-in-all it only set us back around 250. My friend wanted to retain comfort so we decided to pass on the lowering springs for this application. We’re very impresed with how it drives now! Super smooth still and it corners a lot more flat in the back. I may have to take the end links off again soon and clean the rust off, as the shaft seems to have expanded, so the bushing isn’t fully seated it seems.

$70 - Lexus NX F-Sport rear shocks from a 2020
$125 - 2018+ Lexus NX300 24mm RSB w/ hardware
$62 - MOOG 3rd row seating springs
$7 - MOOG end link bushing kit (Not designed for RAV4 but fit perfectly)

A universal set of Moog bushings replace the original 225k cracking and rotted ones. The bushings will fit as long as they’re designed for M10 sway bar links. Nut size is M10 x 1.25. I used some sway bar end link nuts from a newer Highlander and they fit perfectly. Moog bushings were made by Ramcoa and are US-made. Nice and stiff compared to stock!

 

[ridethecliche]

Nice man!

I swapped the megan front sway bar first with the moog endlinks and 3rd row rear springs and it made a huge difference. A few weeks later I installed the megan rear sway bar and it drives exactly how I'd hope this car would drive. I know I've mentioned this before on this thread but everything feels so much more planted during turns and the OE comfort/cushy ride is completely preserved. I was so sketched out by this car on my first hard drive! My last daily was an 06 acura TL and I also keep a miata around, so I have some basis for comparison about stable and firm cars (TL) vs stable and playful with heaps of body roll (miata).

Pretty good comparison in terms of feeling. The stock miata is great and has a ton of body roll for chassis feedback. The rav4 just has a ton of body roll. Sway bars, bushings, better endlinks, and 3rd row springs really make the cars handling worthy of the V6 power. Just like better suspension makes the miata into the momentum car it really should be.

 

[Spike22]

At the time of posting this, there appears to be an Ultra Racing 23mm solid rear sway bar advertised as available for the 3rd gen Rav4. Ultra Racing brand is pretty well known for supplying upgraded suspension parts across many vehicle platforms. The only front option is from HardRace, a 28mm hollow option. HardRace appears to be MeganRacing's Australian division who's shipping prices make the products unrealistic.

After finding out that another Australian company called MAKO wouldn't ship their cheaper custom made sway bars to the States, I was pretty frustrated. See the following thread: Custom front and rear upgraded sway bars for V6

I brought this up on several FB Rav4 groups and even got several Australians to offer to re-ship the MAKO for me. But not wanting to have to inconvenience anyone, I kept looking for an option stateside.

Apparently, the front sway bar amongst other suspension parts on the 3rd gen Rav4 is shared with at least 6 other Lexus/Toyota/Scion vehicles on the New Toyota MC platform ..Cars and SUV's on the same platform sharing the same suspension. Found this out by talking with 84hachi, a buddy I met through instagram and FB rav4 groups and Paul Sexton @toyotechwv on PriusChat.com who had swapped a 2011 Rav4 sway bar into his SCCA autocrossing prius. Long story short, the cross platform use by Toyota/Lexus/Scion is coming in handy.

UPDATED!
Toyota Rav4 XA30 2006-2012
Toyota Rav4 XA40 2013-2018
Lexus NX 2014-present
Toyota Harrier XU60 ZSU6#W 2013-present
Toyota Prius V/Alpha ZVW40 2012-present
Toyota Prius ZVW30 2010-2015
Scion xB E150 2008-2015

Here are the FRONT sway bar options we've discovered so far - most of which are not advertised as working for the 2006-2012 Rav4. I rated these in order based off price:stiffness ratio. Keep in mind the XA30 Rav4 oem size is 25mm:

#1 Hotchkis 22429F 32mm hollow bar ( ~$143 USD) - VERIFIED fitment .
#2 Megan Racing MRS-LX-1290 32mm adjustable hollow bar (~$180 USD) - VERIFIED fitment
#3 Cusco 925-311-A30 30mm hollow bar (~$300 USD) - VERIFIED fitment
#4 Hardrace 7996 28mm hollow bar (~$280 USD) - UNVERIFIED fitment

Lucky for us the 3rd gen Rav4 also shares rear suspension parts with several other Lexus/Toyota platforms also.

Toyota Rav4 XA30 2006-2012
Toyota Rav4 XA40 2013-2018
Toyota Harrier XU60 2013-2018
Lexus NX 2014-present

Here are the REAR sway bar options so far - keep in mind the XA30 Rav4 oem size is 22mm:

#1 Cusco 978 311 B25 25mm solid bar - VERIFIED fitment (~$303 USD)
#2 Megan Racing MRS-TY-1291 25.4mm hollow bar - VERIFIED fitment (~$176 USD)
#3 Ultra Racing UR-AR23-171 23mm solid bar - VERIFIED fitment (~$348 USD)
#4 HardRace 7997 25.4mm hollow bar - UNVERIFIED fitment (~$287 USD)

My rule of thumb was that the solid bars were going to be stiffer but heavier than the hollow and lighter options and hollow would need to be 2mm bigger than its solid counterpart to be comparable. Meaning the hollow Megan Racing rear sway bar at 25.4mm is relatively the same stiffness as the Ultra Racing solid 23mm rear sway bar.

Knowing this cross breeding on platforms may open up other XA30 Rav4 suspension options... !!

View attachment 145545

Fantastic post. Thank you! Exactly what I needed.

 

[Spike22]

Ordered F/R MR sways and the 3rd row seat rear springs (moog from rock auto).
I should probably order new f/r endlinks too right? Guessing these haven't ever been changed out because why would they be.

Eh... whatever. Ordered moog F/R endlinks as well.

Do you have part #s for the Moog endlinks?

 

[Spike22]

Oops. Saw the part in post above.

 

[CA_XA40]

Hi, friends! I have been lurking this thread for quite some time now and I thought I might share my next big upgrade (Tuesday can’t come soon enough!).

After hyper analyzing the options for front and rear sways, I decided to go with Hotchkins FSB/Megan Racing RSB & MOOG endlinks. I picked up the MR rear brace as a combo with the RSB (eBay special) for $165 shipped. The Hotchkins FSB is impossible to find ANYWHERE (seriously looked/called/etc) and was able to find the full set on eBay for $339 shipped. Anyone with a 2008-2012 xB want a RSB for a good price? lol.

Anyways, I’m a fan of suspension mods. I have Bilstein b6’s and Northwood performance springs on all 4 corners…I can’t wait until the upgraded sways are installed. Also have the ultra racing front strut brace, which was very difficult to install due to the cramped engine bay. I picked that up from Alek’s Racing for $210 shipped (from Malaysia!) It actually made a significant difference in stiffening up the RAV in case anyone is wondering.

I’m attaching some pics for reference. I’ll post an update when everything is installed!!! Also, massive shoutout to TEKSMRT for all his help and for starting this post. Have a great weekend, friends!

 

[TEKSMRT]

Hi, friends! I have been lurking this thread for quite some time now and I thought I might share my next big upgrade (Tuesday can’t come soon enough!).

After hyper analyzing the options for front and rear sways, I decided to go with Hotchkins FSB/Megan Racing RSB & MOOG endlinks. I picked up the MR rear brace as a combo with the RSB (eBay special) for $165 shipped. The Hotchkins FSB is impossible to find ANYWHERE (seriously looked/called/etc) and was able to find the full set on eBay for $339 shipped. Anyone with a 2008-2012 xB want a RSB for a good price? lol.

Anyways, I’m a fan of suspension mods. I have Bilstein b6’s and Northwood performance springs on all 4 corners…I can’t wait until the upgraded sways are installed. Also have the ultra racing front strut brace, which was very difficult to install due to the cramped engine bay. I picked that up from Alek’s Racing for $210 shipped (from Malaysia!) It actually made a significant difference in stiffening up the RAV in case anyone is wondering.

I’m attaching some pics for reference. I’ll post an update when everything is installed!!! Also, massive shoutout to TEKSMRT for all his help and for starting this post. Have a great weekend, friends!

Did I read that correctly that yours is a 4th gen?

 

[CA_XA40]

Yessir, 4th gen 2018

 

[TEKSMRT]

Yessir, 4th gen 2018

Nice to see the research for the 3rd Gen suspension is being utilized for the 4th Gen as well. Keep us posted on how it improves handling! [emoji1417]

 

[CA_XA40]

Hello, friends! UPDATE

I had the sways, endlinks, & rear brace installed on Tuesday and wanted to drive it for a day before posting. My RAV is literally stuck to the ground with minimal body roll in the twisties. I live in an area that has many hairpin turns on my daily route…RAV is much much flatter on my commute and is so much more enjoyable to drive.

If you are looking to improve the stock shopping cart-like handling, I highly recommend the suspension mods I have made.

Here are some details about my car:
2018 (4th gen) LE FWD, 42k miles

Suspension mods (in order of install):

• Bilstein b6’s on all 4 corner
• Northwoods performance springs (stock ride height, no lift)
• Ultra racing front strut brace
• Megan racing rear brace
• Hotchkins front sway bar
• Megan racing rear sway bar
• MOOG endlinks
• Also picked up some Goodyear assurance maxlife tires @40k, took off my hubcaps for that blacked out look

Attached are some pics from the install, enjoy!

 

[Spike22]

Hello, friends! UPDATE

I had the sways, endlinks, & rear brace installed on Tuesday and wanted to drive it for a day before posting. My RAV is literally stuck to the ground with minimal body roll in the twisties. I live in an area that has many hairpin turns on my daily route…RAV is much much flatter on my commute and is so much more enjoyable to drive.

If you are looking to improve the stock shopping cart-like handling, I highly recommend the suspension mods I have made.

Here are some details about my car:
2018 (4th gen) LE FWD, 42k miles

Suspension mods (in order of install):

• Bilstein b6’s on all 4 corner
• Northwoods performance springs (stock ride height, no lift)
• Ultra racing front strut brace
• Megan racing rear brace
• Hotchkins front sway bar
• Megan racing rear sway bar
• MOOG endlinks
• Also picked up some Goodyear assurance maxlife tires @40k, took off my hubcaps for that blacked out look

Attached are some pics from the install, enjoy!

Nice! Ain’t it fun 🤩. Just waiting for the Hotchkis front SB. They’re impossible to find right now.

 

[CA_XA40]

Nice! Ain’t it fun 🤩. Just waiting for the Hotchkis front SB. They’re impossible to find right now.

It is fun, indeed!!! When I spoke with Hotchkins HQ over the phone, they told me that there were no plans of producing another run

I considered the Ultra Racing solid FSB, but that was also out of stock. Then I looked for the matching Megan FSB, but that was stuck on a ship somewhere without any ETA! I figured that paying $340 for the xB F&R SB (there are still 2 full kits left from the eBay seller I purchased from) was equivalent to picking up the Cusco from Japan. Good luck! It will be worth the wait

 

[Spike22]

It is fun, indeed!!! When I spoke with Hotchkins HQ over the phone, they told me that there were no plans of producing another run

I considered the Ultra Racing solid FSB, but that was also out of stock. Then I looked for the matching Megan FSB, but that was stuck on a ship somewhere without any ETA! I figured that paying $340 for the xB F&R SB (there are still 2 full kits left from the eBay seller I purchased from) was equivalent to picking up the Cusco from Japan. Good luck! It will be worth the wait

Hmmm, not sure I want to pay more than double the price but may not have a choice.

 

[CA_XA40]

Cusco axle braces 978 492 RS fit our RAV4's. Next on my list is to try Cusco rear power bar part number 978 492 R

Hi! Did you ever install this rear power bar? I am very interested to see if it fits. Thanks!

 

[RavMo]

I know it's late but I've got a new hotchkis front sway bar and a cusco rear bar I'm looking to get rid of if anyone is interested. Local pickup would be preferred if you live near southern Missouri. Bought them a few months ago and ultimately decided not to install them.