Strut Bar/Brace

[MikeyD25]

I'm a newbie and I did search for answers to both of my questions, so please be gentile...thanks!

I originally drove an '06 H/L Base AWD V6 that had a STRUT TOWER BAR on the front end. The bar ran from tower to tower in the engine compartment. I had a chance to look at an '11 SE the other day and when I peeked under the hood I couldn't find a bar.

Can anyone tell me if the 2nd Gen H/L's have the strut tower bar, or did Toyota do a suspension modification in '08 and do away with the bar all together?

Also, what is the largest tire diameter that I could run on the H/L with a 17" wheel, 30.6" or 31"?

I intend to replace my current ride ('09 RAV4) with a new H/L when the lease is up, so any info I get now will help with my decision making in the future.

MD

[deadrx7conv]

The new Highlander is better than the old Highlander. It doesn't need the strut tower bandaid.

Stock tire diameter is ~29.6"
Since its not an offroad vehicle, I wouldn't go more than an 1" without careful measurements to see what would or not rub.

[MikeyD25]

Thanks for the quick response! I figured on the 30.5 inch diameter (245/70-17) for a little more cushioning.

Pros/cons on going to 18" wheels on the H/L or will changing to 18" negate the need for the larger diameter tire?

MD

[deadrx7conv]

18" rim is a good choice. Rx330/350's came with 18" rims.

You can choose whatever diameter tire you want regardless of the rim size. So, a 17", 18", 19", 20" ... can be used. Its up to you to figure out the size and self mentally calibrate the speedometer while driving. The larger the diameter tire(not rim), the slower the speedo reads. The Miata tire calc, google for it, is a great tool when playing with tire sizes.

[kjharris]

Originally Posted by deadrx7conv

The new Highlander is better than the old Highlander. It doesn't need the strut tower bandaid.
MD

I don't know that I agree with the "strut tower bandaid" comment. As I have always understood it, the strut tower brace helps to ensure that the suspension retains its correct geometry no matter what twists and torsion effects the body/chassis undergoes during demanding driving conditions. More expensive and/or performance orientated models often have this brace--for example the Honda Accord V6(which doesn't) vs the comparable Accura model(which does). It saves the manufacturer some bucks when it's not used.

[deadrx7conv]

If you have a strong enough frame/subframe/chasis, then you don't have to worry about floppy suspension geometry common with older vehicles. When something is added at the factory, its there to overcome a deficiency. No bandaid needed now!