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Chassis brace

2258 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Den49
I fitted a front lower subframe brace to the Avalon from Ultra Racing. I used the XV50 Camry model which fits precisely. It works as described. Sharper turn in when cornering was the first sign that things had changed. Then less chassis shudder driving over expansion strips. It is smoother over rough road, brakes seem sharper and it rolls less when cornering. Perhaps a 20% improvement overall. This weekend I will fit a strut brace. After that a trunk brace. I am pleased with the result so far.
When I was fitting the brace, I was expecting the two aft subframe bolts to be tight. They were barely more than finger tight! Something to check when doing an oil change. A recent TSB recommends 80ft-lbs torque.
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Please post a picture of the brace and the two aft subframe bolts.
Verify with Dan Raff, but this is what I found. It's a photo of a Camry, though. Not an Avalon. A picture from Dan would definitely be better.

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The picture above is very similar to my Avalon set up. The Avalon is literally a stretched Camry. They share front subframes. Hence the lower brace, made for a Camry, fitted. This picture is taken from behind, looking forwards. Thus the two top corners in the brace are securing the aft subframe bolts. It is these aft bolts that were loose. The lower corners attach to engine mounts. Probably most of the bracing is performed through the upper bar connecting the body channels. The braces connecting the engine mounts are probably more to stabilize the brace from twisting forces.

I fitted the strut brace this weekend. Perhaps 5% increase in perceived stiffness. The tires thump more loudly, cornering is sharper and more level. The car feels tighter. I commute for 2.5 hours each day in it so it is a welcome feeling. Next on the list, the trunk brace and then a thicker rear sway bar.
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One other thing, the steering stays on track more, even today when it is windy, but is also slightly lighter. Probably due to less chassis flex.
I've thought about getting that 4-point chassis brace for my 08 Camry, my only worry is that it seems to have made the clearance of the car lower so I am more worried about it scrapping and scooping up snow... I've also thought about the sway bars too but I still remember reading about bushing brackets breaking so I am also worried about that.
Thanks to IE5QE0 for posting the picture and Dan for the information.
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