Got my strut bar

[jfanaselle]

Got my cheapo ebay strut bar today. Weather permitting, I'll install it tomorrow and let everyone know how it performs. Maybe I'll even do a simple how to. I know it's a piece of cake to install, but it seems there have been alot of posts on here lately about how difficult or easy it is to install one of these.

[lain]

I'm sure it will be a piece of cake install...but hey its a Versa...so you never know.

[bulld0g]

JK! currious how well it works though

[JoshH]

Would also like to know how well it works out before spending/wasting $40 for these ebay strut bars.

[jfanaselle]

Ok it's installed. Took me about 10 minutes total. The only complaint I have is this: It seems to be a somewhat universal bar with vehicle specific brackets. In order to fit, I had to remove the two nuts on the adjustable end pieces (the ones that look like a tie rod) so that it was narrow enough. These are the nuts that you would tighten agains the bar itself after adjusting the ends.

However, once I tightened everything down, it's very snug and works great! I took it for a spin and it's a very noticable difference. This is definately an upgrade that's worth the $40 and I would recommend it to anyone.

I plan on going to Lowes or Home Depot to pick up some thinner bolts that will fit on the adjustable end pieces so that I can snug it up a little tighter though.

Here are some pics:

[blindsnyper]

did you pay the basic $16.95 for shipping or did you go for the $25.95 2-3 day shipping, if you did the first how long did it take to receive?

i just ordered mine so hopefully ill get it by next friday.
Modified by blind_snyper at 2:18 AM 1/27/2008

[jfanaselle]

I paid the basic 16.95. It shipped from the Los Angeles area and I had it the day after it was shipped. I purchased it on a Saturday and had it on Tuesday. They ship UPS so you'll get a tracking number and an expected delivery date.

[clarkemode]

Did you guys get the one on Ebay from EB Stores?

[FLX]

i've only noticed two strut bars for the v, are there any others besides stillen and dc? and which one's better? the dc one looks kind of funky and twisted or is it just the pics i've been lookin at?

<== and what's this? peanut butter jelly time?

[jfanaselle]

Yeah, I bought the EB stores one on ebay. I've gotta say, the quality is good and the price is right!

FLX, here's a link to one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...20733

And yes, it is definately peanut butter jelly time!

[daffyack]

Hi this is kinda embarrassing question, but what does strut bar do? Why do people install it? Does anyone mind explaining to me, please? THanks

[Beginningsend87]

its basicly a bar that reaches from one side of the car (left) to the other side (right) and braces that part more. It stiffens (or harddens) the part the bar was installed on. Basicly they reduce/eliminate any frame twisting or bending (flexing).

[daffyack]

its basicly a bar that reaches from one side of the car (left) to the other side (right) and braces that part more. It stiffens (or harddens) the part the bar was installed on. Basicly they reduce/eliminate any frame twisting or bending (flexing).

But why is that a good thing? In everyday basis, do you need that kinda support?

[2008nvs]

To put it very simply, if your the type that drives the car then yes get it and you will love what it does . But if your the type who rides in the car then don't bother.

[FLX]

Yeah, I bought the EB stores one on ebay. I've gotta say, the quality is good and the price is right!

FLX, here's a link to one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...20733

And yes, it is definately peanut butter jelly time!

suweet! love that price!

[blindsnyper]

i got mine monday before work, i installed it and love it.

I plan on going to Lowes or Home Depot to pick up some thinner bolts that will fit on the adjustable end pieces so that I can snug it up a little tighter though.

i tried to find some at ace right after i installed it (14mm with 1.50 pitch jam nut) they said they dont make left hand thread ones so...i think a may get the ones it came with machined thinner at work.

[jfanaselle]

Yeah, I never posted it in the thread but I had the same issue. I also couldn't find any that were thin enough. However, the bar barely twists even if I give it all I've got, and it's still providing support, so I probably just won't worry about it. If I ever stumble accross any bolts that are thin enough (and threaded the proper direction!) I'll pick them up.

[pfc369]

just received my strut today. it is a cheap upgrade. it will be easier to grind the alum bars down. any one know how much to grind down? one side is regular thread and the other side is reverse thread. i might able to get a thinner nuts for the regular thread.caution: Do not install the bar without the lock nuts. the alum bar thread has a very thin wall especially at the end . it will crack the thread due to stress.

[jfanaselle]

Hmm.... I hadn't considered that. I wonder how much of a concern that really is though, because the "tie rod" end pieces are threaded into the bar almost as far as they'll go, which has got to add some sort of strength considering that the stress is distributed across the bar for the entire length that they're threaded in.