I just got my front strut bar but maximadriver.com is down so I can't get the write up on how to install it. I pretty much know what to do but want to make sure I don't forget anything. Also, is it possible to do with a normal wrench and not a torque wrench?

 

take off all 6 nuts, put bar on, hand tighten nuts, expand bar so theres no play, retorque nuts to 34 ft lbs or if you dont have a torque wrench just make shure there all equally tight.

 

i have a cheap $15 torque wrench. are there good quality torque wrenches that i should use? i want to install a udp later, so i would need to be accurate on torquing bolts.

 

any torque wrench will do on a fstb. its not that important like torquing wheels so you will be fine as long as its within reason. BUT, I would suggest a quality click type one like a craftsman or something if you plan to use it more than just a fstb.

 

Go buy a torque wrench. I got a decent "click-type" for just $20 and it has come in handy more times than just for installing the FSTB.

If you don't feel like springing for a measly $20, you could always go to an auto parts store and if they have a rent-a-tool program, you could borrow the torque wrench and install the FSTB.

 

Thanks. I think I'm going to borrow one from my friend cause I want to make sure it dones right. Anyone know off hand how big the nuts are?

 

14mm

 

Exact torque not that imporants on the bar. They are big bolts, and you can't break them without a cheeter bar. Just get them all good and tight, and tighten nuts evenly in a criss-cross pattern.
A $15 torque wrench is not as accurate as my forearm.
I have a 1/2" Snap-On, and it was off by 15 pounds last time I had it calibrated. It cost $75 to repair and calibrate it. Good thing I didn't have to pay for it

For an fairly accurate, but inexpensive torque wrench, get an old-fashioned one with a needle gauge, not a click-off model. The calibration of a needle model is not subject to failure and weakening of internal springs and lubrication variables. Just be sure to buy a name brand, not a swap meet model.

 

jsut done put it on backwards...the bar should not touch the brake fluid resovior. its goes behind it closer to your steering wheel..

 

Is an alignment neccesary after installing a FSTB?

 

No.