fransattle

Does anyone know where to get strut bars (other than the dealership)? How about installation instructions?

jcrome04

Don't think there are any made for the 2nd gen LS. I got my old one from Luxurymods.com but that was a 1st gen.

Installation is VERY simple. Bolt it on.

jcrome04

Also.....

Some Supra strut bars will fit with minor modification, don't know the specific years or models or anything!

sonyman

I don't think you're informing him on the right part since he said "other than the dealership."

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

he means a STRUT BAR, the type found in the suspension.

not a Strut Tower Bar (brace) that is an aftermarket accessory. (and its supra MKIV turbo ones that fit with a slight bend or washers to give it the clearance to clear the motor)

OP: carson toyota (l-tunedparts.com) has them cheap, and you dont have to buy the whole bar, you can get just the bushings that go bad (either polyurethane or OEM rubber). cost is about $100/each for the WHOLE BAR (incl. bushing) or ~$30/each for JUST the bushings.

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Interesting price -- Drift, how much of a pain is it to replace just the bushings in your OEM worn out struts? Is removal of OEM struts to replace the bushings relatively easy without a lift and regular tools? Or are impact wrenches and a lift really recommended for such a job?

I know some suspension work is really silly to do in your driveway.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

no idea, i have no reason to do it myself as my local napa autoparts will put the new bushings in for <$10/each if i take the bar to them

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Good info --

Well, if you take the bar to them, you obviously can remove and install it. How hard/easy is that with just regular sockets and such?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

buy either a breaker bar or an impact (or both, trust me on this)

suspension bolts are ALWAYS a pita to get out

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Ok other than breaking the bolts lose.. fairly simply to get to ? Or cramped and lots of removal?

steveski

Did not know NAPA would press in OEM rubber bushings - as for getting to the bolts it is pretty straight forward. You could jack up the vehicle to see what bolts would have to be removed. When I replaced my upper CA's I would have removed the strut bars if I knew NAPA could press in new bushings.

fransattle

Here is a video i found that will take you through the steps.

http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/Fj9WH6CM

fransattle

Are strut ROD bushing the same as strut BAR bushings?

DIY LS400

^ Yea it should be. Nice video you found.

Neofate, you need to press out or melt the old bushing out. Then you need a press to squeeze the new bushing in.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

IMPORTANT:
i discovered today that the part which lexus/toyota has marked as the strut rod "bushing" is NOT the rubber bushing, it it only the metal sleeve, so the only option you have is either a stiff polyurethane bushing or buying a whole bar @$99/each from carson

im looking into some ADUS bushings tho.