LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Strut Tower Brace for UCF20

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-14-03, 10:22 PM
  #1  
RA40
Super Moderator

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
RA40's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 20,850
Received 463 Likes on 361 Posts
Default Strut Tower Brace for UCF20

After seeing Lexkost's STB install, I ordered a Supra turbo version off eBay and it arrived today. Unlike his, my bar was straight and I suspected that this would be a clearance problem. When doing a test fit, I discovered it was exactly that. It will not clear the engine cover.

You need the bar that has the bend. For the straight bar to clear, it would need about a 3/4" thick spacer and that leaves very few threads left to install the strut nuts with. Does the UCF 10/11 have the engine cover clearance problems?

This bar is made in Taiwan. The welds on the risers are clean and symmetrical and the paint is reasonable. The aluminum cross member has coarse grit scratches from before they buffed the finish...not pretty up close but not obviously so. (How many of us sit there looking at welds and the finish?

Oh well.
Old 11-14-03, 11:10 PM
  #2  
persian451
Lexus Test Driver
 
persian451's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: California
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

nope, just got mine today, fits like a charm, except brake cylinder in the way, no problem
Old 11-15-03, 01:32 AM
  #3  
RA40
Super Moderator

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
RA40's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 20,850
Received 463 Likes on 361 Posts
Default

I'll order a bar with the bends in it and see. What I find amusing is the high shipping costs of these things. $15+. I may call a local shop and inquire...I suspect it will be $25 + tax. LOL.

Is your bar straight or does it have the bend?
Old 11-15-03, 08:35 AM
  #4  
persian451
Lexus Test Driver
 
persian451's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: California
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

its straight, no bend..
Old 05-24-04, 10:00 AM
  #5  
Lexkost
Lexus Champion
 
Lexkost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Simi Valley ,CA
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts
Default LS Strut Bar.....must have this to fit ! !

There seems to be a lot of confusion on the Strut Bar for the LS, for the proper fit 2 things are needed:

One the bar must have bend on the ends , turn down to give clearances to the engine.
Two a 1/4" spacer under the strut bar mounts.
Attached Thumbnails Strut Tower Brace for UCF20-my-pictures0001.jpg  

Last edited by Lexkost; 05-24-04 at 10:04 AM.
Old 05-24-04, 10:01 AM
  #6  
Lexkost
Lexus Champion
 
Lexkost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Simi Valley ,CA
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Another view :
Attached Thumbnails Strut Tower Brace for UCF20-my-pictures0002.jpg  
Old 05-24-04, 10:08 AM
  #7  
Lexkost
Lexus Champion
 
Lexkost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Simi Valley ,CA
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Pic of the spacer note it is the silver piece under the strut tower bracket :
Attached Thumbnails Strut Tower Brace for UCF20-14951stb1-med.jpg  
Old 05-24-04, 11:05 AM
  #8  
Lexkost
Lexus Champion
 
Lexkost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Simi Valley ,CA
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Originally posted by xmystikx
Lexcost! can i buy the spacers yet??
I will be making some shortly I will PM you when done .
Old 05-24-04, 11:42 AM
  #9  
SQ-LS
Lexus Test Driver
 
SQ-LS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Texas
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally posted by Lexkost
I will be making some shortly I will PM you when done .
So are you selling spacers and strut bars?

How much you thinking? I might put another one back on my car if it isn't too much.
Old 05-24-04, 01:57 PM
  #10  
persian451
Lexus Test Driver
 
persian451's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: California
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Strut bars off ebay are from 25-60 depending on what kind.. i got mine for 25 shipped and works well..
Old 05-24-04, 05:41 PM
  #11  
AusLexus
Driver School Candidate
 
AusLexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Hi guys,
stupid question, but:
What does a strut bar do?
Regards,
Tim
Old 05-24-04, 09:45 PM
  #12  
SharpLS-96
Lexus Champion
 
SharpLS-96's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally posted by AusLexus
Hi guys,
stupid question, but:
What does a strut bar do?
Regards,
Tim

A front and rear Strut Bar stabilizes the car in order to minimize the effect of body roll around curves/bends/turns etc.
Old 05-25-04, 08:27 AM
  #13  
Jasoneo5
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (4)
 
Jasoneo5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,153
Received 32 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

Can I buy a spacer from you Lexhost?
Old 05-25-04, 10:09 AM
  #14  
Lvangundy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Old 05-25-04, 12:08 PM
  #15  
persian451
Lexus Test Driver
 
persian451's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: California
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default



Quick Reply: Strut Tower Brace for UCF20



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:32 AM.