i always install my strut bars with the car on the ground, as i thought this was the correct way to do it. then i read on the tanabe website that bars should be installed with the car lifted. what do you guys think?

 

It is only required on specific bars. If the holes that accomodate the strut studs are large enough, then you can install when on the ground.

I have a Carbing 3pt, and it is mandatory to install it with the struts hanging a little bit.

 

Bars that mount to the stock strut tower studs do not need to have the car lifted.

 

I always install mine on the ground.and they work perfectley right

 

Does anyone know why the car may or may not have to be lifted? I have never heard of this.

 

^ I have always been sold to do it while the car is lifted a bit. I'm guessing it has something to do with allowing everything to settle/adjust.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by get RIGHT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Does anyone know why the car may or may not have to be lifted? I have never heard of this.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Might be because of the mounting plates where the strut studs go through. With the studs at the highest point, car on the ground, it might make the installation a little harder to put the mounting plate through the studs; because of the alignment of the studs and the non-adjustability of the strut bar.. Whereas with the car lifted, there is less of the stud protruding through the strut tower which will make the mounting plates be lined up easier.

This is my thought. There is no evidence behind this.

 

i also use a 3 point bar, i have to raise the car to get it on, but i only tighten it down when the car is on the ground. here's the quote from the tanabe website, in case anybody wants to read it


Adjustable Preload
A very common error when installing tower bars, It is always recommended to raise the vehicle when installing so that the load of the shock uppermounts on the shock towers is relieved and balanced out. When raised, and the tower bar is placed onto the vehicle, the preload can be adjusted and set. After it is bolted on and the car is lowered, each shock tower will have equal load and will prevent independent movements of each shock. This will provide an extremely noticeable difference after installing. If a tower bar is installed on a car that is not raised, great benefits will be missed.

 

If its a 3pt bar, you have to jack up the car and let your struts hang down a little bit.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by migs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If its a 3pt bar, you have to jack up the car and let your struts hang down a little bit.</TD></TR></TABLE>

never had this problem. hmm...

 

might have a go with the standard ITR braces see if there is any noticable difference.. no harm in trying i dont feel..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Erik95LS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">never had this problem. hmm...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Do you have a 3pt strut bar like a Carbing or PWDJDM? If so, it is impossible to install without jacking up the front of the vehicle and letting each front strut "hang" to get it through the bar.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by migs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Do you have a 3pt strut bar like a Carbing or PWDJDM? If so, it is impossible to install without jacking up the front of the vehicle and letting each front strut "hang" to get it through the bar. </TD></TR></TABLE>

yes I do. Drops right on with no problem at all. I'm sure its different with every individual one though.

 

my head hurts from some of the responses...

Reason for lifting car= car flexes allows for imperfect bars to fit our imperfect cars.

Preloading.... Yeah, I got a bridge for sale & we drive F1 cars

 

Impossible? Never jacked up my car for the front 3pt... slides on fine...