Touring Suspension Parts Research

I will find out soon enough and let you know either way.

I'm just curious as to what Brain at BT Tech has to say about this. I know he plans on releasing his own sway bar to the Prius market. So far, all of his products have been geared toward the average individual with a 'basic' tool set. I just don't see the viability (for him) in selling a product that must be installed at a garage with a lift.

 

Woohoo, It is now complete!!!
I have successfully finished the front stabilzer bar, and for that matter my touring conversion! It was not too difficult a job at all. I ended up dropping the sub-frame down to do the job for a couple of reasons: First, I didn't want to disturb the exhaust right now, and second, the sub-frame was looking quite nasty and I wanted to refinish it. I did this all from jack stands and a floor jack. No lift is necessary! Please see the photo of the sub-frame removed. I ended up stripping it all down, media blasting it, then refinishing it.
Meanwhile my baby was down for a couple of days getting a major front end rework. I installed new ('08) struts and springs, new axle bearings, balljoints, outer tie-rods, stabilizer links, and rotors. The most difficult part of the entire job was removing the old axle bearing assemblies. The steel housings were completely corroded into the aluminum steering knuckles, requiring heat, PB Blaster, and a 20-ton press to break those bad boys loose. I would not recommend doing this job (the axle bearings) at home if you live in a winter-salt region! Anyway, I need to take the car in for an alignment, then I will post some SOTP results. I still need to shim the rear axle to correct the camber, then it's off to adding the rest of Tom's stuff...

 

I can dig them out of the scrap pile and take a few pics before I haul them away. Basically the problem arises from the bearing housing having a 'stepped' diameter, in that the end closest to the wheel fits snugly into the aluminum steering knuckle, and the inner portion (next to the CV joint) is smaller in diameter by roughly .060". This .030" gap around the circumference of the housing is indirectly open to the elements and susceptable to corrosion. After I installed the new bearing assemblies, I sealed this void with a little RTV silicone. Hopefully this will help eliminate any future problems if I keep the car that long.

As far as the rest of the sub-frame, I would recommend a routine cleaning, and possibly coating it with a good undercoating material, such as by Evercoat, or a stone/chip protector such as Gravitex, by U-pol.
I have only owned my Prius for a little over a year now and it has been through one winter with me. I have no way of telling how well the previous owner washed the underside, if at all in the 2 years prior. In my opinion, Toyota does not use the best materials on this part of the car. I have not seen any other rust on the underside of the car, except for the rear axle, which also seems to be coated with the same 'cheap black paint'.
Hope this helps. -Al

 

Hello Tom, I am currenty using Falken Ziex ZE-912's as seen here: Falken Tire. I have less than 500 miles on them, so I can not give a definitive opion of them. My initial observations are good, they are fairly quiet, handle well wet or dry, and my mileage has jumped back up from my winter 'meats'.

I plan on installing the other 3 Tom's braces, front lower, rear, and floor.
I am aware of the clearance issues with the floor strengthening brace. When I install that one will be the time to have a custom stainless exhaust bent up at a local shop. This will be a much cheaper route than purchasing the Tom's or Ganador exhaust. -Al

 

Re: Sigma Automotive Confirms All Your Touring Suspension Parts Research

Sure, no problem. And to all of those nay-sayers and non-believers, I told you so :tongue1:. Seriously though, I have learned a lot from many people on here, and I am more than willing to share my experiences and any knowledge I have on this wonderful Prius jouney!

P.S. Yes, I am aware of Sigma's Touring offerings and thanks for your support through out this project. -Al

 

Tom is correct, you need to search with a later model year.
Anyway, the rear bar part# is 48812-47020. The front bar part# is 48811-47050. Don't be afraid to tackle the front bar, it is not so hard to install, and worth the effort!

 

Oh yeah, one more thing, if you are converting your '04 to touring, you should update your front struts to the newer '06+ struts.

 

That's good to hear, sounds like 'my kinda guy'... From my experience with the conversion, I'm just trying to offer some encouragement to Prius owners that want this swap, but might not be willing to tackle it.

 

I have been meaning to do that. This time of year is not good for photos though ( I'm sure as you know). I'm running the stock wheels with winter treads right now, and my 'baby' is covered with slush and road grime.
The BT Tech spoiler is barely even noticeable, unless you're looking for it. It mounts just above the the car's regular spoiler on the rear window glass. I'm undecided if it has made any difference though.