On a scale of 1-5 (five being the hardest) how hard is it to install a FSTB.... I mean it looks pretty easy and the read-ups on it dont sound too hard but i just wanted to see before i jump into it.... any hidden or special problems?

 

VERY EASY

Less than a 30 min install

BASICLY:

1-Remove 6 bolts
2-Put bar on
3-Put the 6 bolts back on
4-Tighten bar


Good Instructions:
https://maxima.org/shoptalk/sub_modi...rs/index.shtml

 

What he said!!! You're a fu<kin dum@ss if you can't.
The bolts that are removed are visible and yo don't have to spend alot of time on this mod.

 

on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the hardest)...I'd rate it a -7

 

Just buy one off of EBay cheap and do it.

 

1

make sure you use a tourque wrench and torque it too 29-34

 

i already have one.... i just need to borrow a torque wrench.....

 

auto zone usually lets people rent them

 

Yea auto zone does have a renting program but you must pay a deposit (same price as item) first. For the torque wrench I believe it is $90 deposit just in case you lose it or take it.

 

ok well I have put one on before, and yes of course it is probably the easiest mod! However, I sold of my max and now have an I30 but i cant put it on because the car is from chicago and the bolts are all ****ed up....not really rusted, but when I tried to get them out they squished on the corners....the letal has degraded from salt/chems whatever....how can I get them off! Do I have to have them cut off?

 

If they are badly rounded, then try getting the next size smaller socket on them with a rubber mallet.

I assume they are probably a 12 or 14 (I don't remember). Anyway, get an SAE socket that is slightly smaller and see if you can force it on. Just put about a 6" extension on it and hit the end of the extension with a rubber mallet or similar.

Also, if you are using a 12 point... drop it and get yourself a 6 point before you make it worse. If you are, then a 6 point might work better anyway.

Although, in the case of using a slightly smaller socket... a 12 point MIGHT be better.

HTH

 

Bought a torque wrench from Menards this week for 7 bucks. I guess if you purchase one, the ones with the long dial needles are better for auto applications.

 

Not unless you have a bionic neck.

That is, if you are talking about a beam style... where there is a long beam with a needle at the end that points to a number.

Try torquing a crankshaft bolt to a 100lbs while trying to see what that needle is reading and hearing the cursing from underneath as your buddy tries to hold the teeth of the flywheel with a crowbar.

If that isn't the kind of torque wrench you are refering to, then forget I commented.

 

Buy one. If you are going to continue modding you will need it for other stuff. Also, if you ever have to take off the FSTB for some reason such as cleaning IAC valve or replacing fuel filter you will need one later.

 

Yeah I think we are on the same wavelength as far as type of torque wrench. Mine however has duel sided socket 3/8 and 1/2 so you probably wouldn't have that problem. My buddy told me that this type with the long needle are good for torque on duel metal applications (aluminum on steel).

I agree with Broaner22 though, spark plugs, work on shocks, even putting alloy rims on should be performed with a torque wrench. Buying tools is kind of fun and they last a lifetime.

 

wow, thats a little harsh isnt it will?

Seriously though, I didnt think it was necissary to use a tourqe wrench. I just put them on about as tight as they were when I took them off, seemed like the right thing to do at the time

 

- FSTB off e-bay - $30

- Adequate, thorough, and precise removal of the molted-on metal lump that sticks out on all 99 models and prevents the installation of a common 4th gen FSTB - 1 hour

- Installation of FSTB - 5 minutes

- Having the joy of driving a Maxima after the FSTB install torqued to spec without any noticeable difference whatsoever - PRICELESS

 

i bought my torque wrench for 10 bucks

 

I dont know if its true or not but a Buddy of mine told me that you get more Benefit out of the fstb. if when you install it You jack the front end of your car up, then their is no stress on your Struts, so when you put it down all the stress is on strut bar. Or something like that.
I'm not sure if it is true, and I don't really understand it but something to think about

 

has anyone noticed a difference in handling after fstb installation at all?

 

I do see that I was a little harsh on my choice of words but come one it's a strut bar. This is probably the easiest mod to put on our maximas.

 

yea... thats what i wanted to know so thanks for being a dips*it about it

 

Do you have it on yet? Which one did you get?

 

I definitely noticed a difference. You have to know the car...I'm sure I wouldn't know if there was one if I'd never driven a Max before, but the before and after was a big improvement I thought. It's still the same car (a big 4 door), so it doesn't turn it into an AWD porsche, but yes it makes a difference.

 

i bought the otto racing one off of ebay.... looks fine.... inexpensive and seems to be very well constructed for the money.........i'm gonna put it on tomorrow.....my neighbor seems to be telling me that 29-34 lbs of torque is plenty easy to do w/out a torque wrench.

 

and if u overtighten one of hte nuts, u could snap one of the studs and then you are in some ****. go do yourself a favor and buy a torque wrench. i have read many cases about the nuts being to tight and when they took some turns the studs snaped off,.

 

Yeah that happened to me. Cost over $100 to get fixed. Just shows that even the easiest mods can turn into a bigger ordeal...especially if you don't really know what you're doing! But I'd do this one again myself in a heartbeat...and it shouldn't take too much longer than that anyway.