Dennis - Preload FSTB?

[AZhitman]

Dennis - I think I recall you mentioning something about pre-tensioning the FSTB at installation (hope I wasn't dreaming this). Would I want positive or negative tension on the bar? If so, how much? Could I create this by weighting (or unloading) some of the static weight on the front?

I have taken pretty accurate measurements across the centerpoints of the tops of the towers AND measured the amount of flexion occurring during HARD cornering (fun little experiment). Amazing how much they flex side to side.

[Q45tech]

The natural tendency is for the shock towers to bend inwards [closer together]. Why the camber increases more negative!The FSB should be used to push them apart..Watch out as the treads inside the bar may not be strong enough.

The shock towers move less than 1/8-1/4" worst case....The shop manual shows the correct distance between the towers [2 sets of holes] [for wreck rebuilding].

[AZhitman]

My "garage experiment" reflected similar measurements - I observed .35" movement (.175 each direction) across the tower tops, not terribly scientific but confirms what you've said.

I'll experiment with lightly "unloading" the front end with a jack to allow the towers to flex outwards, then install the bar.

Dennis, would you mind sharing the measurement you refer to? And would that figure vary across model years (90-95)?

[Q45tech]

No just tighten up the locking nut with your weight in the car on level ground, then check it weekly for looseness the FSB is not strong enough to act like a frame straigntener machine......believe me the aluminum threads inside the bar are weaker than the treads on the steel helm joint.

If you strip the threads in the bar it is worthless!

[AZhitman]

Gotcha - As always, thanks Dennis!