Front Upper Strut Bar

spc2125 · 01-18-2012, 11:44 PM

I was looking into better handling for my car.
Im definitely getting the eibach pro kit, but i also wanted to do something for the body roll as well ( i know the springs will help a little too)

I saw this on ebay and was wondering if anyboddy else has it and what are their thoughts on it

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Upper-...ht_2848wt_1037

Papa Rad17 · 01-19-2012, 01:18 AM

Get the front and rear kit. Highly recameneded. I put on my front my front bar he. The rear one 2 days later, there deffinatly is a dramatic difference. They are great investment. Even with my oe springs gone it really helped ride quality.

<woj99> · 01-19-2012, 01:19 AM

I have one of these, I'd recommend the set especially if you're doing other suspension upgrades since these will complement them well. It works well, however it doesn't reduce body roll, bigger swaybars are needed to reduce body roll, and like you mention stiffer springs will help also. The strut bar basically helps 'maintain geometry' when turning, and the car just feels a little more solid (it's hard to describe the effect). It's a slight difference that you'll notice when taking turns right after installing it (I put both a front and rear on), but after driving for a few days afterwards the car doesn't feel all that much different, body roll is still there.

Williamleo · 01-19-2012, 01:31 AM

price is sure right. If it does what it says it does, I'll have one on my car in 2 weeks. Course the only way we'll know is to try it...

Williamleo · 01-19-2012, 01:36 AM

So... how's this for asking for trouble. LOL. I've just ordered one for looks alone!

Papa Rad17 · 01-19-2012, 02:00 AM

^did you get he set? When I had only the front bar my butt end felt loose until I got the rear one on. And I think they do help a pinch with body roll, Overall they just do a much better job of distributing weight more evenly and making an over "tighter" suspension feel. Going around corners at 20+ I noticed a huge difference and overall handling at 80+ was noticably improved

spc2125 · 01-19-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Rad17

^did you get he set? When I had only the front bar my butt end felt loose until I got the rear one on. And I think they do help a pinch with body roll, Overall they just do a much better job of distributing weight more evenly and making an over "tighter" suspension feel. Going around corners at 20+ I noticed a huge difference and overall handling at 80+ was noticably improved

is this compatible

http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-05-04-Gra...ht_3856wt_1270

Papa Rad17 · 01-19-2012, 11:39 AM

^yup. They are what im running with. Worth every penny

spc2125 · 01-19-2012, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Rad17

^yup. They are what im running with. Worth every penny

tools used?
degree of difficulty?
bolt on?

also does anybody have a write up of how to install springs?
(for when i get my eibachs)
Im guessing i need a spring compressor or have people done it themselves?

Papa Rad17 · 01-19-2012, 05:30 PM

10m socket with wrench. and tools to tighten the bar components. (you should have them already) front, remover the 3 bolts, put on the rings, tighten down, adjust bar (they are pain to get in place on the front). rear, get 4 bolts to match the studes in the trunk. bolt mounts ontop of other bolt and the circle mount. put bar in place, tighten it all down. heres some pics

Redog · 01-19-2012, 07:05 PM

Had my bars in for years now. Probably since about 2003.

I'm still convinced that the rear bar help keep my car from being totaled in 2006.

I'm putting bars on ANYTHING I will own, just for that reason. They do decrease body roll and body twisting too. A must if you're boosting the car

spc2125 · 01-28-2012, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Rad17

10m socket with wrench. and tools to tighten the bar components. (you should have them already) front, remover the 3 bolts, put on the rings, tighten down, adjust bar (they are pain to get in place on the front). rear, get 4 bolts to match the studes in the trunk. bolt mounts ontop of other bolt and the circle mount. put bar in place, tighten it all down. heres some pics

i was putting in the rear one and noticed it was not like front.
is the bar even once you place the bar ontop of the old bolts?

and for the front how do you tighten the bar, or is it suppose to be kind of loose? i tried tightening the bolt but i dont have that tool thats on the other side to hold it so it tightens

XanderWiFi · 01-19-2012, 08:02 PM

This is the first time I have seen this thread. It looks pretty easy to install and where do you find such things?

spc2125 · 01-19-2012, 08:15 PM

ebay...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-05-04-Gra...ht_3856wt_1270

03gxeco · 01-19-2012, 08:20 PM

SO to clear things up, you guys are all using ebay strut tower bars? it doesnt seem like an ebay bar would hold up to well.. then again any strut braces ive had have been Higher end that i got used.

XanderWiFi · 01-19-2012, 09:06 PM

item removed on ebay...

spc2125 · 01-19-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XanderWiFi

item removed on ebay...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...All-Categories

XanderWiFi · 01-19-2012, 09:07 PM

heck for 70 bucks I'll try them both. Suspension installation won't happen until March but I'll start what I can.

Papa Rad17 · 01-20-2012, 12:40 AM

they are worth it. i dont see a reason why they wont hold up, their construction is actually rather heavy.

spc2125 · 01-20-2012, 08:41 AM

just a quick question about the eibach springs

i found these on pfyc Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs 3875.140
and that says its compatible with the grand am so im pretty sure it fits the alero

but then on j-body.org some guy is selling Eibach Sportline Lowering Springs 4.6038
it says these are compatible with 1995-2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
1995-2004 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
will these fit the alero?