[JRINCON17]

anyone have the cheap ones off of ebay? I know that the strut bar doesnt do much but looks good. can you post a pic if you have one on your car.:cheers:

 

[TrevorS]

If you're going to get a front strut tower brace, you might as well get one that really works. The Tanabe really works, that is, as long as you pretension it properly.

 

[JRINCON17]

Yeah I figured I would do the Tanabe , I like the Red but they said the cheab ebay one didnt fit with the engine cover, I thought that was odd. The tension they said to lift off the ground correct, is there anythig else. Will this flex our cheap fenderwells?

 

[Roller_Toaster]

I think they ebay ad said removal was necessary for "installation". I dunno, I'll find out when it gets here.

 

[JRINCON17]

ok let me know i called them too said it had to be. i am thinking might be able to space it or something. not on the tower but where it bolts to the tower braces.

 

[TrevorS]

The Tanabe doesn't touch anything -- fit is very good, however, the bar passes above the front of the brake fluid reservoir cap. Most people install it with the label side up, but if you want proper access to the cap, rotate it 90 degrees.

As far as pretensioning -- install the bar with the tower nuts untightened, raise the nose of the car so the tires are suspended, then tighten and torque the tower nuts, and finally tension the bar.

 

[TrevorS]

I think they ebay ad said removal was necessary for "installation". I dunno, I'll find out when it gets here.

I studied the mounting bracket photos of the eBay brace earlier and you can see the bar attaches lower than with the Tanabe. Between having to remove the engine cover and it not being apparent to me it could be tensioned, I gave up on it. The TRD can't be tensioned either.

 

[JRINCON17]

wonder if i can machine a brkt where it bolts to the bar, just big enough for the bolts. but might be too high then

 

[TrevorS]

Just remember that the bar attachments have to be rigidly mounted to the towers. Any flex under cornering stresses and it's a waste of time (that is, assuming the bar itself is tensioned and its end fittings are side-to-side rigid -- if not, it's already a waste of time).

This photo shows Tanabe's solution -- perhaps it'll help.

 

[TartanJack]

The TRD one is welded as one solid piece. So, no hinges, tensioning, or adjustment. It just fits and works.

 

[Roller_Toaster]

so, you're supposed to put them on with the wheels OFF the ground? Slightly confused on that part.

 

[TartanJack]

The instructions for the TRD one are on this page (top, right)- in an auto PDF download.
http://www.trdsparks.com/displayparts.php?Mdl_dtl=631&Part_cat=11&parts_id=1564

 

[guambomb86]

i have the cheap chrome on off ebay for about 6 months now and i does the job... its all up to you.... i rather buy the cheap one.. hope this helps you!!!!

 

[JRINCON17]

i have the cheap chrome on off ebay for about 6 months now and i does the job... its all up to you.... i rather buy the cheap one.. hope this helps you!!!!

are you running your engine cover. do you have a pic if you are

 

[Roller_Toaster]

The instructions for the TRD one are on this page (top, right)- in an auto PDF download.
TRD Front Strut Tower Brace at Sparks Toyota-Scion, Myrtle Beach, SC

Thanks, I couldn't quite figure out why everyone kept saying to install it the "right" way...seems pretty straightforward.

Remove the 4 nuts...put it on, tighten, drink an ale 8 one, go drive it.:cheers:

 

[phobic]

I have the TRD brace, powder coated orange, and its baller.

 

[JRINCON17]

where you been? Yeah i might get the tanabe and get it coated !

 

[phobic]

Ive been around man, busy working and bein a bit sick.

 

[JRINCON17]

it was quiet with out you here

 

[phobic]

I get that on a lot of the forums haha.