Strut Tower Install Question

[tau166]

So, I got my freedom design strut tower in the mail yesterday from ptuning. You really can't pass up $75 and free shipping with the discount. Unfortunately there were no instructions. I've searched the forums and whatnot, but wanted to double check one thing.BTW, I know it's supposed to be tourqed to 29 ft-lbs.Are you supposed to remove the stock metal braces (black) on top of the struts before mounting the new strut bar? I thought I saw it done both ways at the Michigan meet, but I can't remember. I put it on with the stock braces in place for now, but I'm not sure if that is correct. If it's wrong will it do any damage to leave it that way for a little bit until I can get ahold of the tourque wrench again? It did seem to match up with the stock braces very well so it sort of seemed correct. Thanks.

[Geo]

I always heard you were supposed to remove the black metal braces ....Anyone have any instructions?

[cohocarl]

quote:Ptuning.com told me to put them right on top. ??Ummmmmm.......I have just a cheap one off of ebay, but the bracket on the ends didn't "form" to the stock one, and didn't fit together right. I installed mine without the stock "C" brackets. Just didn't look right with both. Unless the one from PTuning is shaped so it fits the "dips" in the stock bracket, I wouldn't use the stock ones. Are they as thick as the stock ones? If so, why would you need both on there anyways.

[Triton]

I thought that you were supposed to remove the stock brackets. Most of the Vibes I seen at the Michigan Rally did not have them. When I get my brace, I am removing them.

[dmitri]

tau do u feel a difference in handling? 75 is a really good price...

[tau166]

quote:tau do u feel a difference in handling? 75 is a really good price...I've only had it on since about 4:00 this afternoon and I've been installing new speakers since then so I don't know yet. I'm going on a trip tomorrow so I'll let you know. Also, $75 is with the discount you get when you click on the link from matrixvibe.net (I think it's a 5% discount)Also, as I mentioned, I just finished my speaker upgrade. Polk EX3560 seperates upfront and Polk EX602a in back. I made custom brackets to mount the rear speakers and whatnot. I've got lots of pics and will post in the audio section when I get the time (hopefully Sunday after my trip). Initial comments are that it's quiter (4 ohm vs. 2 ohm speakers), but much better balanced. Also, I know everyone says the stock stereo is good, and frankly I was happy, but got the seperates on sale and already had the rears. I definitely like the improvement. I can run with the EQ set flat all across and have great sound throughout the spectrum....just have to turn up the volume a little more. Maybe I'll do an amp upgrade also.

[tau166]

quote:Ummmmmm.......I have just a cheap one off of ebay, but the bracket on the ends didn't "form" to the stock one, and didn't fit together right. I installed mine without the stock "C" brackets. Just didn't look right with both. Unless the one from PTuning is shaped so it fits the "dips" in the stock bracket, I wouldn't use the stock ones. Are they as thick as the stock ones? If so, why would you need both on there anyways.Yes, the Freedom Design strut bar is designed to fit in the dips on the stock braces. Also of note is that the freedom design braces aren't quite as beefy as the stock ones so that is why I initially left them on. In hindsight the c-braces on the FD strut bar probably were beefy enought. hmmm what to do?

[Lancer]

I have the same brace. You should take the stock off and just use the FD set up.

[Celtic_Curse]

I've just bought mine, is there anything you have to do besides untighten the strut bolts, then install the bar and then re-tighten to 29lbs of torque? Is there an adjustment on the bar that you have to make? One of my friends has one on her Celica and had a creaking sound coming off then adjusted her strut bar and went away, it's my first time doing this so I don't want to mess it up. Step by step would be appreciated.

[cohocarl]

quote: Is there an adjustment on the bar that you have to make? Step by step would be appreciated. I just removed the 3 nuts on each side, (I removed the stock "C" clamps), adjusted the new bar so it was the correct length so the new "C" clamps would fit over the bolts, then put the nuts back on (torqued to 29ft-lbs).

[Celtic_Curse]

Thanks a bunch...that simple eh? Well I'll let you know as soon as I get mine on what screw up I did.

[tau166]

quote:tau do u feel a difference in handling? 75 is a really good price...After my trip this weekend I would say that yes I feel a difference. I wouldn't say it's amazing, but a difference. The steering is a little quicker to respond when changing lanes and (although I may have just been imagining this) it seemed to lean a little less in sharp turns.More questions for everyone. First,I still have my factory braces under my FD tower bar and haven't noticed any problems. So, are the factory braces flat on the bottom or do they have dips at each bolt (like on the top)? I'm still trying to figure out if I should remove the factory braces, if it just doesn't matter or what.

[Lancer]

I believe that you would be adding more stress to the bolts if you leave the stock braces on. And it would look silly if any one would see it. I have never seen a STB with the stock braces also installed.

[GT_03]

quote:I believe that you would be adding more stress to the bolts if you leave the stock braces on. And it would look silly if any one would see it. I have never seen a STB with the stock braces also installed.I agree, take the stock ones off.

[Celtic_Curse]

ptuning recommends leaving them on, however do you think the freedom bar is strong enough to be by itself? won't snap? especially under hard cornering?

[Lancer]

quote:ptuning recommends leaving them on, however do you think the freedom bar is strong enough to be by itself? won't snap? especially under hard cornering?What do you plan on doing with the car? Off-road rally's? You'll be fine with your everyday normal commute and the occasional street race.

[ragingfish]

quote:won't snap? especially under hard cornering?IMHO, if it had a risk of snapping under hard driving, it would never reach market...It's designed to be strong.Drop an anvil on the center of the hood, perhaps it might snap...but other than that, I'd think it would not.In fact, I sense it would bend before outright snapping...

[tau166]

Update: I finally got to borrow the torque wrench again and removed the stock c-braces. After taking a closer look at the stock braces and the ones on the FD bar I decided that they were both of similar size (I hesitate to say strength because I don't know the materials & processing). Anyway, I don't think it would have mattered too much either way. Lancer may have a point about stress on the bolts. Having both braces moves the lever point on the bolts further out although this assumes the pivot point is still in the same place...blah blah blah. Anyway, the stock braces are off. I'm also sorry to report that my plans to purchase a K&N typhoon intake have been delayed due to my computer suddenly not working and needing to spend money to fix that...it's still coming next (soon I hope).

[wildvibe]

Yah don't leave stock braces on! Technically A strut tower bar is made to fit with them off! Those bolts can't take both stacked on top and trust me you don't wanna break those bolts ask another member here how much those bad boys cost . If you want to make a huge huge difference in handling basically what you should do is get atleast 17" Rims, Put some lower springs in, add a strut tower bar, and get a rear sway bar. With all of the those upgrades your ride will be supper smooth . I have no complants about the ride though took on a 1600 mile road trip and was nice. Only ***** is my rear end hurt cause the seats get just a little hard after awhile hehe!