strut bar installation - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

smokey8890 · 08-14-2002, 07:22 AM

I just got in my strut bar that i order. I going to attempt to install it myself. this might sound very stupid for many of you guy but here it go. could I install this myself? It looks like a DIY project. will there be any special too for this project? wish me luck. i'll post some pic very soon[/list]

camry_dude · 08-14-2002, 12:45 PM

This is a do it yourself project! You just need the right tools and it shouldn't be so bad. The bolts are on really tight though. I was lucky and went to my local shop and just used their air gun and that was easy as hell. You will have to use a little more effort without one. Good luck!

Luc · 08-14-2002, 04:24 PM

Yes, it is a DIY project, shouldn't take too long. Use a 14mm socket to loosen the bolts, then if you have a torque wrench, tighten it to about 58 ft-lbs. Some may suggest to jack up the front of the car so that the tires just make contact with the ground and install, to "pre-load." I've just installed it without pre-loading.

Luc

OU8MYDUST · 08-14-2002, 04:32 PM

What are the major advantages of a strut bar? Better handling and cornering? I guess I'll put one in if its as easy as a few screws.
Luc: Did you find any problems w/o pre-loading it? Thanks.

smokey8890 · 08-14-2002, 09:00 PM

there might be a problem. i know i won't have any problem getting the bolts off. but how do i know how tight to make it? 58lbs? how do i know i got there?

91camryDX · 08-14-2002, 09:09 PM

You have to use a torque wrench.

smokey8890 · 08-14-2002, 09:18 PM

i got some but i don't see any scale. maybe i have to buy some that not craftman

Luc · 08-14-2002, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OU8MYDUST

Luc: Did you find any problems w/o pre-loading it? Thanks.

I actually didn't hear of pre-loading it until it was discussed after I had my braces in my Gen4 and Gen3. To me, I didn't feel/find any problems.

Luc

Luc · 08-14-2002, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokey8890

i got some but i don't see any scale. maybe i have to buy some that not craftman

Any torque wrench will have at least one scale on it, either in N-m (Newton-meter) or ft-lbs (foot-pound). Craftsman will definitely have it.

Luc

smokey8890 · 08-15-2002, 07:02 PM

ok i only have rachets to complete my project. what if im off and one side is not 58 lbs? will that mest up my suspension? or will the wheel fly off when i try to take the bolts off? i will post some pic up very soon maybe saturday. wish me luck