GS - 1st Gen (1993-1997) Discussion about the first generation GS300

Strut bar install concern

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-23-05, 06:57 PM
  #1  
Tramix
Lead Lap

Thread Starter
 
Tramix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Strut bar install concern

I just received my JDM Aristo strut bar today. I went to give it a test fit (basically laying it on top of the bolts seeing how easy it would go on) and I just had a question about how it's supposed to fit. Does it just slide right over the bolts nice and easy and sit flush or does it take some effort to get it on? When I tried it didn't seem to fit easily. I'm not sure how it's supposed to be. I searched around, but i couldn't really find what I was looking for.


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ut+bar+install

in that thread LexAristo said it fit like a glove, with no real effort, so yea...i dunno
Here are some pics of the strut bar.






Old 09-23-05, 07:05 PM
  #2  
mikal
Lexus Champion
 
mikal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: California
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

jack up your car then install it. Make sure both wheels are off the ground.
Old 09-23-05, 08:39 PM
  #3  
turbogs300
Lead Lap
 
turbogs300's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Arizona
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cool

Remove the nuts holding the struts to the strut tower, slide strut bar over studs, tighten down, you're done! I never had to jack the car up I would get some bigger, strong washers to put under the nuts, just as a precaution.
Old 09-23-05, 09:07 PM
  #4  
Tramix
Lead Lap

Thread Starter
 
Tramix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

see that's the thing...it doesn't seem to just slide easily on..... takes some persuasion to get on. Is that a bad thing?
Old 09-23-05, 09:15 PM
  #5  
turbogs300
Lead Lap
 
turbogs300's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Arizona
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cool

Originally Posted by Tramix
see that's the thing...it doesn't seem to just slide easily on..... takes some persuasion to get on. Is that a bad thing?
Are you dropping it down evenly on both sides? The strut mount should never move and the bar should be perfectly straight,, so if it's not fitting something may be out of wack just a little bit or something may be worn causing to be out of spec.
Old 09-23-05, 09:18 PM
  #6  
Tramix
Lead Lap

Thread Starter
 
Tramix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

hmmm....aight thanks a lot. I'll give it a try tomorrow afternoon and see how it goes. Oh is it ok to use some force to get it down or would that be a bad thing?
Old 09-24-05, 02:08 PM
  #7  
Eric-RPS13-
Lead Lap
 
Eric-RPS13-'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: GA
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

mine doesn't fit "like a glove either" not even close
and with my 2nd gen gs tein flex the studs are to short to torque it down properly (ordering new self clinching studs)

and from what I've heard from some other folks is they don't always go right on *shrugs*
Old 09-25-05, 12:11 AM
  #8  
Wald GS
O.C. Lucky Strike Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Wald GS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: So.Cal.
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

My bar slipped on like OJ's glove.
Old 09-25-05, 12:41 PM
  #9  
Tramix
Lead Lap

Thread Starter
 
Tramix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I installed the bar today. It seemed alright. Just have to get some washers. But like the one side fits fine but on the other...the bolt is almost right up against the endlink. Here's a pic of it:




Is that alright? Other than that the bar fits fine.



INSTALLED!!!
Old 09-25-05, 12:43 PM
  #10  
Wald GS
O.C. Lucky Strike Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Wald GS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: So.Cal.
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Tramix
I installed the bar today. It seemed alright. Just have to get some washers. But like the one side fits fine but on the other...the bolt is almost right up against the endlink. Here's a pic of it:




Is that alright? Other than that the bar fits fine.

INSTALLED!!!
Looks good, What did you differently to put it on?
Old 09-25-05, 02:09 PM
  #11  
Tramix
Lead Lap

Thread Starter
 
Tramix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I basically did it during the day with both hands. Instead of at 11PM at night with a flashlight. Other than that yea it did fit nicely, a little force to get it on right. YEa definitely have to put it on evenly. I had it get stuck on one end and the other end wouldn't get on. I constantly had to readjust it so it went on at the same time for both sides The only concern is that picture of the one side of the strut bar that has that adjustable end. Bolt close up to the wall section. OTher than that...after the test drive....DEF a difference...i love it. No more slight vibrations...seems more nimble. Best $100 i spent. lol
Old 09-25-05, 05:06 PM
  #12  
Wald GS
O.C. Lucky Strike Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Wald GS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: So.Cal.
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's a great looking mod, but honestly, it doesn't do much. Maybe 10% if anything. Coilovers will definitely kill the body roll of the car.
Old 09-25-05, 05:25 PM
  #13  
Tramix
Lead Lap

Thread Starter
 
Tramix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yea i want to get the Tien CS, but i hear they're kinda hard to find for the 1st gen GS300. Also LexAristo, are the studs on the Tiens long enough to accommodate the strut bar?? I see that you have the Tein CS so i'm just wondering. Oh and where did you buy your coilovers?

THANKS!
Old 09-25-05, 07:19 PM
  #14  
Wald GS
O.C. Lucky Strike Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Wald GS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: So.Cal.
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I got them from a local shop here in California. I would recommend ordering from carson toyota since they are a vendor of this forum. It takes 3 months though, but well worth the wait.

The studs remained the same as I installed the bar. I did however add 14mm washers to each stud.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tures
Suspension and Brakes
11
04-04-24 09:35 PM
Theyiqin
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
5
06-20-19 09:24 PM
02LexGS
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
28
07-02-18 10:41 AM
RyanC
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
19
04-24-12 05:26 PM
indo79
Suspension and Brakes
2
08-01-06 07:33 AM



Quick Reply: Strut bar install concern



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:33 PM.