I see some adjustable lower tie bars....
i know a upper strut bar should push out...to stiffen the chassis
but should a lower tie bar push outwards or pull inwards?

 

Neither. The pupose is to reinforce/stabilize the subframe, as it is weak

 

I understand that...but it has to do something
strut bars reinforce the chassis as well...they push outward....

in order for the tie bar to be effective there has to be some sort of force upon it, otherwise its just extra weight...i'm having trouble understanding how it stiffens the back end...

 

Strut bars don't "push" outwards. They merely keep the chasis from flexing inwards-- so yes in a way they push outwards. Sway bars do the same thing.

 

actually, sway bars are a simple torsion bar that try to keep the wheels level


[Modified by garados, 4:33 PM 10/20/2002]