Tension Rod question

[aesic]

I've searched NICO, FA, Zilvia, and google and I'd like a little more clarification.

My tension rod bushings are cracked and leaking as expected. What differences will I notice with replacing them with aftermarket tension rods (spl, tein, etc.)?

I've read that aftermarket rods increase steering response and road feedback. I'm particularly interested in how much better the steering response will be. I love the increased steering response I got when I put in my cusco sways and I'd like even quicker steering response. I don't really need better road feedback as my car is not tracked. In fact, if I feel the road too much, it might actually deter me from getting them.

Thanks for the responses.

[TrueSlide]

Slighty better then what you notice now.

[aesic]

Damn, your quick with those responses TS. $100 worth slightly better? I'm thinking about offering $100 for used SPL v2 tension rods (hes asking $150 but its been posted for a while).

[Fenvy]

don't be such a low baller

people would still pay 150$ shipped for v2

it can take lots of abuse until a set of good shocks which loses value as soon as you put it on

[aesic]

LOL loveless. The guy and I have a little history. I was going to buy his used hotshot header and he told me he would call me as soon as he took it off that night so I could go and pick it up. He e-mails me late that night and says he sold it. I was kinda pissed that he didn't call me right away cause I would have gone up there ASAP and picked it up, even at 2am. The other reason I'd give him a lower price is because I have to drive like an hour and a half each way to get to his place (gas money and time). I also might buy other random parts from his parts car, so we'd probably work out some total package deal anyway.

More importantly though, how much better will new tension rods be than my blown stock ones? If they make a significat difference I will pay him more, but I was just thinking less money because I don't know how much it will affect the car.

I'd like to know the performance difference, I know the price is right.

[Fenvy]

the only reason I got tension rod is because mine is blow like yours,.. it was leakign too, nasty

the spl is a sealed ball joint design, the moving part are very limited and can easily last a 10, 15 year.

because of its long life, its value doesn't depreciate much unless a much superior design is out there.

you know those big, wide, durable table at many class room? unless someone really abuse it such as carving their name into it or kick the **** out of it, it will, too last for at least a decade.

which is why I said 100$ is low balling for something that cost 180$ shipped brand new

I personally don't feel much from the tension rod though, yet replacement for blown ones, I think they're one of the best for the buck (considering that they're thicker and more durable than stock)

[aesic]

If there is little/no difference from blown ones then I don't really see a reason to replace them. I don't find it necessary to fix something just because "its broken" but with no negative consequences and no benefits of replacement.

However, if someone can tell me a good reason to replace them I'll do it.

Still looking for more responses.

[navysnail]

i replaced mine with SPL V.2 tension rods. mine were not yet leaking, but i can tell you that the steering response is increased, slightly but noticable. also, the tension rod is what keeps the wheel from moving back and forth in the wheel well when you brake. brake response is therefore also improved.

as far as replacing them, i would since a leaking tension rod will not last a whole lot longer anyway, and if you can get somthing like SPL, IMO do it.

[Silvia2b]

These are an excellent upgrade to give you feel and control while driving. They also do slightly improve braking. The ride will be slightly more “bone jarring” than if you were to add lowering springs and new struts, compared to stock suspension as a comparison.Also you can adjust these to correct for geometry when you get an alignment. You can't do that with the stock rods.

[aesic]

Silvia2b: Didn't quite understand that comparison. I have AGX/H&R.

l would still like a little more feedback on what kind of differences I will feel with aftermarket tension rods.

[Nismo_Freak]

Better steering responseStable braking (no pulling - if your caster is aligned) Adjustable casterLighter weight

It's a good cheap mod.

[574-240sx]

I upgraded a bunch or things in the front of my car so I could tell you if I noticed a difference. Just plan on getting an alignment after you install them.

[Silvia2b]

OK so you should know what I'm talking about, maybe I said it funny.Sorry, try this on.The ride difference is not as loose as with the stock springs right? You feel more bumps in the road, and going over speed bumps at previously normal speeds shake the steering wheel adjustment lever, but you have more control and adjustability, just like "Nismo_Freak" said.

I would recommend them for daily use IMO, not everyone will agree. I think most of the responses you get here, will agree.

[SmithSR]

Keep in mind, the tension rods are but one piece of the puzzle.Each part you replace individually will highlight the weakness of the worn out oem parts/bushings.Tension rodsrack bushingstie rod endsball jointscontrol arm bushingssway barssway bar bushingsheim joint swaybar end linksbearings

each part needs to looked at wth a critical eye. replace everything!

[Zion8561]

I wouldnt spend $150 on new tension rods if the bushing is the only problem with yours. I have a 92 and my bushings were also shot. You can get an entire Energy suspension bushing kit for like $140 or so.

I would definately replace the tension rod bushing at least. I noticed a big difference when I changed it out.

[Nismo_Freak]

I wouldnt spend $150 on new tension rods if the bushing is the only problem with yours. I have a 92 and my bushings were also shot. You can get an entire Energy suspension bushing kit for like $140 or so.

I would definately replace the tension rod bushing at least. I noticed a big difference when I changed it out.

The tension rods should never recieve polyurethane bushings. The rods are ment to twist as the suspension compresses. With poly bushings this twisting does not occur due to the resistance of the bushing. The force is translated to the lower control arm, which has been known to crack as a result of this. Plus when the suspension binds you are creating spikes in the wheel rate of the car.

Get the SPL tension rods, they allow the correct mobility of the arm, and allow you to correct your caster.