Is it better to install a FSTB while the car front of the car is jacked up because it will make it "stiffer?" I heard about this a while ago, but it was never confirmed.

thanks/dzieki
dan

 

Honestly,i don't think it makes any difference what way it is done...

 

Depends how it's jacked up, i.e. where the supports are...

 

Just the front, I would assume on both the left and right side, or would doing it front just the center front be the trick? Either way, please explain

 

The idea with most FSTB is that you install it with the car level, bolt down the brackets, and then load the bar by turning the bar without torquing it too much. It should not take more than a 1/4 to 1/2 turn of the bar to load it. If the car is level and the bracket is tight, you don't need to "stiffen" it any more.

 

Here is a hideously simplistic explanation:

When the car is on the ground, it's resting on the wheels, so there will be a tiny bit of flex on the chassis. Some people say that's fine because your car will be spending most of its time like that anyway. Others don't like that because they want the car to be as straight as possible when they install the FSTB so that the FSTB serves to keep it that way. Those are the people who say you should install your FSTB with the car in the air.

Thing is, you can only accomplish that by putting the supports under the most heavily reinforced parts of the frame. Otherwise, you'll still get flex one way or another. If you can't do that, you might as well save yourself the trouble and install the FSTB with the car on the ground.

My opinion: It doesn't actually matter that much unless you're racing your car, have super-stiff springs, or are REALLY sensitive to how your car rides and handles.

 

gotcha! thanks guys

 

this is a myth...it really is such a miniscule difference...it doesn't matter how you do it...

 

Just torque the nuts right and you will be set.

 

what's the proper amount for torquing them?

 

For 4th and 5th gens it is around 29-35ft lbs, I am sure it is the same for 6th gens.

 

thanks!

 

Also the struts might fall out once the three bolts are removed if the car's in the air. Just don't over tighten the bolts or the stud may snap off.