Strut tower bar

[Dave]

I'm a complete newb to the suspension area. I just put in a strut tower bar built out of aircraft aluminum. I originally thought I wanted to make it as long as possible, which would not allow the body to flex as much in that area. Although, my brother told me I should be trying to pull it together, meaning to make it as short as possible.

I should be pushing against the strut towers, not trying to pull them together, right? :confused:

[turbovanman]

Not sure what you guys are talking about but basically, have the car sitting on the ground and then install the strut bar. This is where you it sits so this is where you need the bar to bolt up.

[mark]

You dont want it to push, or pull while neutral.

it's to prevent them from pushing and pulling.

[Dave]

lol no, I meant that I can still fit it on the strut towers by rotating the arms 180*. As it sits right now, I can shorten the arms one half turn on each end and it will still fit.

[turbovanman]

lol no, I meant that I can still fit it on the strut towers by rotating the arms 180*. As it sits right now, I can shorten the arms one half turn on each end and it will still fit.


Your still losing me but yeah, as long as it bolts up with NO force, then your good to go. And yes, they make a huge difference.

[GLHNSLHT2]

I'd make them snug as short as possible. When you go into a corner the towers pull apart. You trying to stop this from happening.

[3Bar_Mopar]

I'd make them snug as short as possible. When you go into a corner the towers pull apart. You trying to stop this from happening.


As long as the towers are rigidly tied together it don't matter, they won't flex. There's shouldn't be any preload on the bar or towers, because that could cause some strange handling or more stress on the bar and towers that needs to be under hard cornering.

[Dave]

K, thanks guys.

[John B]

The directions that came with my FWDP bar said to install it and then crank it by hand only until there is preload pushing the towers apart and then tighten the jam nuts.

[turbovanman]

The directions that came with my FWDP bar said to install it and then crank it by hand only until there is preload pushing the towers apart and then tighten the jam nuts.

Honestly, I wouldn't do that. Its stamped metal at the front with spot welds and glue and your gonig to preload it??????? I would just do what I Have done for years, have the car/van on the ground and THEN install the bar. That way, the towers are neutral with no load.