Tanabe/Sustec Front Strut Brace, Lower Chassis Brace & TRD Rear Sway Bar Installed

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by SuperchargedMR2, Feb 22, 2012.

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  1. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    I finally got around to installing my Tanabe/Sustec front strut brace, lower 2-point chassis brace & TRD/Prius Plus rear sway bar. All 3 were very easy to install & the fit & finish is excellent. Anyone with basic tools can do this with very little time. :D

    Before install.......
    [​IMG]

    Cowl & wipers removed......
    [​IMG]

    Metal tray removed to get to strut top bolts.....
    [​IMG]

    Strut bar installed......
    [​IMG]

    After completed install......
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Tanabe/Sustec Lower 2-point Chassis Brace.......
    [​IMG]

    After installation......
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    TRD/Prius Plus Rear Sway Bar.....
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    After install......
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Now let the curves begin!!!!! :D
     
    #1 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 22, 2012
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  2. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    looking very nice, excellent photos. Now the most important part is missing. Initial test drive results! Tell me if I need to invest, er, spend!

    .....
    :car:
     
    #2 NineScorpions, Feb 23, 2012
  3. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    I didn't get a chance to do some real testing today. I'll try & post some results tomorrow. :D
     
    #3 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 23, 2012
  4. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Can you post a pic of the gap between your wiper tray and the strut tower bar? On the side nearest the brake fluid reservoir, mine is somewhat rubbing no matter what I do. Thanks!

    Also, did you remove the shocks to do the rear sway bar? I did, and found it to make the job a lot easier.
     
    #4 The Critic, Feb 23, 2012
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Waiting for the driving review..... :p
     
    #5 F8L, Feb 23, 2012
  6. Wilsid

    Wilsid Junior Member

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    F8L never did find out about your 06 corolla front sway bar, did it fit or did you have
    to get a different one?
     
    #6 Wilsid, Feb 23, 2012
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I didn't. I sorta gave up on the idea. I may decide to sell the car and get a 2012. I have to figure out if I can afford or want to afford a new car. So until then the bar is sitting in the corner of my garage. :)
     
    #7 F8L, Feb 23, 2012
  8. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    I'll have to see if I can get a picture of this tomorrow. It doesn't rub anywhere on mine. Maybe if you loosen the 10mm bolts on the metal tray you can shift it back a little bit so it gives you a little more room.

    I just took out the lower shock bolt to shift the shock. The directions from Toyota suggested that it be done that way that came with the RSB. :)
     
    #8 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 24, 2012
  9. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    Took it out today in the canyon roads & I'm still smiling. :D The difference is amazing & that is with my 16" winter tires on it. :lol: The car feels much more under control & much flatter in the corners. I can't wait to try it with my better wheels & tires when I can finally make up my mind on which one to get. :rolleyes:
     
    #9 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 24, 2012
  10. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Was the installation done with the car on the ground, or with the car raised?
     
    #10 The Critic, Feb 24, 2012
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  11. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    Car raised. :D
     
    #11 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 24, 2012
  12. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    :sigh:

    How much am I looking at?
     
    #12 NineScorpions, Feb 25, 2012
  13. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    Tanabe FSB - $118 on Amazon

    Tanabe Chassis Brace - $98 on Amazon

    Plus RSB - $220 from Toyota dealer

    Total - $436 is what I paid for the 3 parts. The Plus RSB is what may be different depending on what you can find it for. The other parts are still on Amazon. :)
     
    #13 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 25, 2012
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  14. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    Thanks! What percentage of body roll do you feel has been removed?
     
    #14 NineScorpions, Feb 25, 2012
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  15. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    Not sure % wise but it feels much flatter in the curvy canyon roads around here. :D
     
    #15 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 25, 2012
  16. Tommy@SAF

    Tommy@SAF Nu Member

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    Awesome, I will get on these as soon as I can. Can you post pictures or instructions on how to remove that plastic cover to get to install the front strut?
     
    #16 Tommy@SAF, Feb 27, 2012
  17. Dark_matter_doesn't

    Dark_matter_doesn't Prius Tinkerer

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    #17 Dark_matter_doesn't, Feb 27, 2012
  18. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    It's very simple. Once you take off the wiper blades, the black plastic cover just has a couple of plastic clips & snaps into place. Once that comes off you remove the 4 10mm bolts holing on the wiper motor & slide it out of the way. The metal tray has a bunch of 10mm bolts that allow it to be removed. It's really that simple. About 20-30 minutes doing it the first time but only 10 minutes once you've done it before. :D
     
    #18 SuperchargedMR2, Feb 28, 2012
  19. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    I can't remember, but someone asked me to post close up pics of the front strut brace to see the clearance so here they are. :)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #19 SuperchargedMR2, Mar 8, 2012
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  20. wumhenry

    wumhenry New Member

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    Is the ride any harsher?
     
    #20 wumhenry, Mar 9, 2012
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