Are all strut tower braces the same?

[DblOsmith]

What about sway bar end links and bushings? I'm just curious. I think I'm set on Tokiko Illuminas as far as struts, but I've seen Strut Tower Bars between $30-$300. It just seems like a piece a metal connecting the towers, and I can't imagine one being anymore better than another, but I'm just curious.

I have questions about end links and bushings too. I've tried googling it, but I can't find any articles in what they are but plenty articles on people selling them? I hear they're easy to repair, but are one brand any better than another? I thought I heard of polyurethane bushings are good, but are firmer than rubber and could cause vibrations. Any links to articles or info on what what they are? Thanks.

[allensteiner]

What about sway bar end links and bushings? I'm just curious. I think I'm set on Tokiko Illuminas as far as struts, but I've seen Strut Tower Bars between $30-$300. It just seems like a piece a metal connecting the towers, and I can't imagine one being anymore better than another, but I'm just curious.

the price and looks are the only difference. i bought an ebay one for $25 and am happy with it.

[VNG704]

well as far as performance goes, I've had a cheap one in the past on a different car. Weak aluminum and I could bend the bar with my hands. If you want performance get one with all welds and no bolts (think swivel during chasis flex, check this link out http://www.e30m3project.com/e3...y.htm). If you have to get one where the bar's mounted to the plates with bolts try to get one that's wide so the bolt would be longer and have less of that swivel affect. But if you're really just getting one for looks, anything works.

[DblOsmith]

Thanks. That's what I figured, but I'm getting it for handling. I'm torn between two.

Stillen: http://www.stillen.com/product...AXIMA

Vibrant: http://www.neverenoughauto.com...=2369

What exactly did you mean by getting one that's thick? It seems to me that the Stillen has a bolt that makes it adjustable so that the bolt can slide in the hole, but with the Vibrant, the bolt's looks like it's only there to connect the ring with the bar with no room for adjustment. Am I wrong here?

I also wanted to make sure again that '02 Maxima STB's can fit on the '02 I35. I hate to order one online just so that some unknown servo or something keeps it from fitting.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Poly bushings will tighten up the feel, but shouldn't make things so much harsher that you'll regret using them. An added bonus is they should outlast factory bushings.

I've never used a cheap strut bar, so I can't comment on them. I have a Stillen bar on my Q. I know of a lot of people running the Vibrant FSTB who are happy with it, though, so I would probably go with that one considering the price difference.

[Eikon]

I picked up the vibrant version... through ebay actually for like $50 shipped. Mine is blue and has some maxima club logo on it.. I'll swap it for a NICO sticker soon.

I'm happy with the fitment and quality of the bar. It's adjustable length wise just fine. It fits tight over the manifold and doesn't rub the hood at all.

[VNG704]

[QUOTE=DblOsmith]Thanks. That's what I figured, but I'm getting it for handling. I'm torn between two.

Stillen: http://www.stillen.com/product...AXIMA

Vibrant: http://www.neverenoughauto.com...=2369

What exactly did you mean by getting one that's thick?

QUOTE]

not necessarily thick but a wider bar because of how they mount to the bar. not being welded but by a bolt. the wider bar would need a longer bolt vs a shorter bolt. look at the vibrant piece, do you think those two long skinny metal pieces, where the plate meet the bar, will stay rigid during chassis flex? The Stillen in that link is what I mean. The stiffer strut bar by design between those two would be the stillen, imo. If both having rigid bars. Basically pay attention to how the plates mount with the bar. I'm no expert, this is all from just looking at the product, my .02.

[Eikon]

I just installed mine yesterday.. here are a few pictures. Sorry for the poor lighting.

Here's the strut bar that I bought.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...witem=

[DblOsmith]

How do you like your handling with your STB? Did it make a big difference? You carving canyons?

[Eikon]

I can't share any results yet.

I haven't taken the car out of the garage at all since I got it home. I'm waiting for my struts and brakes to arrive so I can do those along with the sway bar bushing and end links and then do all the work in one shot... then i'll take it to get an alignment right away... Then I'll report back on how the car drives!

[allensteiner]

How do you like your handling with your STB? Did it make a big difference? You carving canyons?

don't expect that much of a difference just with a fstb. i put mine on when i had the stock springs on and it reduced some of the body roll but i noticed a much bigger handling improvement after lowering the car.

[DblOsmith]

don't expect that much of a difference just with a fstb. i put mine on when i had the stock springs on and it reduced some of the body roll but i noticed a much bigger handling improvement after lowering the car.

I know, heh. I was just asking.

[nismo1219]

i just got a cheapie off ebay, and had it polished...has worked just fine for me plus it is alot cheaper than most of the actual enthusiast websites. basically its your money, your car and your decision...do whatever makes YOU happy!