SPL Tension Rods v.2 Evaluation

Forum for Nissan wheel fitment, tire selection, suspension setup and brake discussions.
Nismo_Freak
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Car: 89 Nissan 240SX

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I just picked up my tension rods today from Kuah, and damn are these things massive. If you ever get mugged rip one off your car and you could do some damage!



Spark plug for size comparison. The shaft is over 1" thick and is made from solid aluminum. The rest of the threaded hardware is plated steel, and the rod end has a seal on it that looks better than the ones used on Cusco arms. Even at full articulation the seal appears to cover the rod end completely without impeading it's movement.

I can say without a doubt these are the strongest and beefiest tension rods you can buy for the S-Chassis

Picture of the Rod End & Seal



Spark plug for reference

I also opted for the optional brake ducts, they are constructed of aluminum and weigh nothing, but they are plenty rigid. Kuah showed me the fitment on his S13 and these are going to aid in brake cooling. Dually noted that guys suffering from fade on stock brakes might look to these as a cheap upgrade while you replace the T-Rods.



Overall I am quite pleased with the product SPL put out, and I would consider no other arm.

Pricing is $169 for the rods and $25 for the brake ducts, and they are all in stock.

SPL Parts1-866-SPL-PARThttp://www.splparts.com


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spanishricer
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Try and post pics of the brake ducts installed and let us know how the tension rods feel on the road

Nismo_Freak
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spanishricer wrote:Try and post pics of the brake ducts installed and let us know how the tension rods feel on the road
Hard to really make it out, from the SPL website.

I know for a fact tension rods are very nice, I ran the older SPL tension rods on my S14. They work wonders for making cars feel alot more precise in both steering and braking.

It's highly highly recommended by me as one of the first suspension upgrades you should do to a 240.


navysnail
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i just got mine on my car recently, and those things arnt going anywere. ill get pics of them when the brake ducts come


navysnail
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Car: 1990 Nissan 240SX fastback

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they improve brake response, i dont know about steering yet because i still have to get an alignment. definatly an improvement over stock tension rods.


Q45tech
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Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl

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Consider with stronger non isolated [tension/caster adjustment rods] that the mounts may flex at the frame...........why they make a stronger front lower brace. Also the lower suspension arm bushing will then wear prematurely...............the weakest part now shares more load.

Really nice looking piece, need to test them on my heavier Q45.

Nismo_Freak
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Car: 89 Nissan 240SX

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Q45tech wrote:Consider with stronger non isolated [tension/caster adjustment rods] that the mounts may flex at the frame...........why they make a stronger front lower brace. Also the lower suspension arm bushing will then wear prematurely...............the weakest part now shares more load.

Really nice looking piece, need to test them on my heavier Q45.
S13 rods have Q45 fitment.

I think you'll like that the arms are designed with stock caster levels in mind.

llamabeta
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Most excellent. I'll have to stop in and trade mine in for the upgraded ones. Need to take my buddies WRX back to finish rolling the fender anyway. Thanks for the update Nismo.

Chingon
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They look nice no doubt.You say they are the strongest arms built for the s chassis, however, I see revo technica (one of the sponsors) has a forged 30mm steel arm for the s13 as wellvs 32 mm aluminum spl part.

I do not know the material used in the rod ends of the revos, but they're probably SAE components.

Anyone have given these a chance?

Bronze MFP
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2 q's

Will the nismo brake ducts fit the new tension rods? if so, can i upgrade my tension rods?

Nismo_Freak
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Bronze MFP wrote:2 q's

Will the nismo brake ducts fit the new tension rods? if so, can i upgrade my tension rods?
Not certain. Kuah will know.

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chandler
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Car: 91 civic hb & 96 S14

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omg those are pimp

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skydragoness
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92' 240sx 60k survivor :)
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Those are hardcore, I'll be getting them some time soon.

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n00b240
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I have the v1's?? What is the difference between these and the v2?? Just more beef for the eatins??

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Dori Dori
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n00b240 wrote:I have the v1's?? What is the difference between these and the v2?? Just more beef for the eatins??
That and bolts for brake ducts.

240sxjeff
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damn I can't wait till I order mine hopefully this weekend along with some braided lines. A little off topic but what are you guys settinf your caster at? stock or a little higher than stock?


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