Removing tension rods from FLCA's--Quick question...

[MarkEmark]

Hey, I think tonight I'm going to go ahead and remove my tension rods/tension rod brackets in preparation for either tuesday or wednesday when i get my new tension rods/nismo power brace.

My question is: Does the front suspension need to be compressed when I remove the tension rods from the FLCA's or can it just be dangling in the air uncompressed? I'm pretty sure it needs to be compressed. If it does need to be compressed, does it need to be compressed all the way? Where do you guys put jackstands to compress it? I'm thinking of puting them under the rotors, I've done that before...

By the way, I'm removing the tension rods with them still attached to the tension rod brackets because I'm replacing the brackets with a Nismo unit anyhow.

Also, is it as easy as it looks to remove the tension rods from the FLCA's? Just two bolts and they pop off?

Anyway, thanks for the help.

Marc

[battle D]

hmm i dont think they need to be compressed as far as i remember all i did was ajck it up take of the two bolts adn the center bolt ont he bushing and remove them and switch them, u might want someone else to confirm that

[180fan]

no, nothing needs to be compressed. Just like Battle D said, just the two bolts on the underside and the one bolt through the middle of the bushing. Yes, it's the same procedure for s13 and s14. Did em both.

[MarkEmark]

Thanks guys...

Like I said, I'm only detaching the tension rods from the FLCA's--they'll stay attached to the tension rod brackets (bc I'm removing these brackets with the tension rods still attached).

Anyway, I'm hoping to get these projectsilvia tension rods/dustboots/subframe in soon...

Did you guys need to get an alignment after replacing the tension rods? I'm wary of shops that do alignments on regular cars---And I just envision some crude mechanic banging away at my suspension components with a hammer....

Anyway, I won't be able to go to get an alignment (if needed) until my exhaust is refabricated anyway.

Later

[rico05]

You will need an alignment yes. I did mine anyway as I am putting on coilovers, tie rods, tires and sways here in a few weeks, so it can wait. A word of advice: Have a GOOD breaker bar ready. Those bolts are on on HELLA tight. My arms were sore for 3 days after doing mine...

BTW: the ProjectSilvia t/c rods rock. I love em!

[battle D]

will u need an alighnment?? i didnt after i did my tension rods, unless ur doing ur tie rods but u can get around that too well i did, and car is fine as far as alighment

[MarkEmark]

You will need an alignment yes. I did mine anyway as I am putting on coilovers, tie rods, tires and sways here in a few weeks, so it can wait. A word of advice: Have a GOOD breaker bar ready. Those bolts are on on HELLA tight. My arms were sore for 3 days after doing mine...

BTW: the ProjectSilvia t/c rods rock. I love em!

Rico05: Were the project silvia tension rods any shorter than the OEM tension rods or were they the same length? Are the project silvia ones adjustable for length? I want to keep the length of the rods identical to the oem ones...I'll do an alignment eventually.

[AceInhole]

i didn't think the stock TC rods used an eccentric bolt, so there's nothing to adjust when re-installing... so no real point to get an alignment, is there?

Project silvia TC rods are pillowmounted adjustable rods. IIRC they can be adjusted enough to mount on an S13 or S14.

[BomexS13]

By the way, I'm removing the tension rods with them still attached to the tension rod brackets because I'm replacing the brackets with a Nismo unit anyhow.

Marc

Nismo has brackets? Didn't know that, where did you get yours? DO you know if they have nismo brackets for s13...mine are getting rusty.

[AceInhole]

the nismo power bar replaces the stock TC rod brackets, IIRC with better braced ones.

[BomexS13]

the nismo power bar replaces the stock TC rod brackets, IIRC with better braced ones.

THanks for the info, I just saw one at Jspec.com.

[BomexS13]

Does those Nismo power bars work with aftermarket Tension rods?

[MarkEmark]

Well, of course they work with aftermarket tension rods--otherwise how would I be getting nismo unit and aftermarket tension rods? The nismo unit is designed to mimick the stock mounting points except be stiffer-so if aftermarket tension rods are designed to fit like oem tension rods, then fitment is logical.

You should search "nismo subframe power-brace" on this forum--there's a pretty long discussion about it; I know because I started it

[180fan]

no you don't need to get an alignment with a tension rod install. If it's just bushings, no need to waste time unless you're already due for an alignment. For your new aftermarket ones, you'll need to match the length of the tension rods to the stock ones otherwise you'll have a hell of a time to install them.

[BomexS13]

So what aftermarket tension rods that are teh same length as a stock one?

[AceInhole]

considering most (all) of them are adjustable.... they're all the same length as the stock ones if you want them to be.

[whiterps13]

whenever you perform any suspension work ive heard you should get an alignment.

[180fan]

tension rods don't change toe, camber, caster, SAI or any of those settings unless the tension rod length is changed.

[BomexS13]

THanks for the info guys.

[BomexS13]

WOuld it be better to replace the screws with new ones when I install new rods and brackets?

[MarkEmark]

I'm not sure about replacing the screws--I'm hoping my tension rods will come with all new hardware. However, after taking off my tension rods, the big screw that secures it to the rod bracket is actually in next to perfect shape; definitely wouldn't think twice about re-using it.

Marc

[BomexS13]

I'm not sure about replacing the screws--I'm hoping my tension rods will come with all new hardware. However, after taking off my tension rods, the big screw that secures it to the rod bracket is actually in next to perfect shape; definitely wouldn't think twice about re-using it.

Marc

What kind, how much and where did you get your rods from? Thx..

[MarkEmark]

I got them (project silvia tension rods) for $145 shipped through Ben at http://www.projectsilvia.com

However, I got a deal because they were blowing out tension rods before the start of 2004. So the price on their website says $180, and shipping is like $10. Try ebay--they may still have some up for "buy it now" at $140.

[BomexS13]

THanks for the info. Just curious on what you're getting. I just wanted to see if I have other options, looks like my wallet is stuck on these "certain" rods.