Tanabe or CUSCO Strut Tower Bar — Is it worth it?

cant wait to get mine!

 

I was about to give up on my proposed method of installing the Cusco strut tower bar and would have to "bite the bullet" and remove all of those screws, wipers, wiper motor and those two splash trays.

The problem is that there is no way of getting your fingers into that area to start the nuts onto the studs.

A flex box ratchet like those sold by Gearwrench and others will not easily start the nut onto the stud, because there is not enough friction to hold the nut to overcome the internal friction to allow the ratchet to release.

Luckily I discovered that the strategic placement of the tip of a long thin flat blade screwdriver would hold the center of the box wrench to allow the ratchet pawl to release and turn the nut.

I'm still waiting for my Cusco strut bar and will keep all who are interested posted on my progress.

 

Yes - a definite difference. Try looking here:

Successful Gen III PiP install of Cusco Strut Tower Brace (STB) | PriusChat

and here:

Gen III suspension modifications - my four recommendations. | PriusChat

 

I've had mine for close to a month, now.

I'd say it makes a big difference.

The sweetest part was that I was able to install it without removing any of the wiper and cowl components.

I upgraded the fiddling hex socket head connector bolts, washers, locknut and stupid acorn nut with single ISO 10.9 grade flange nuts and an ISO 10 grade flange lock nut on each side. All I need is a 14mm box wrench and a 14mm socket with 3/8 drive ratchet to install and remove the center section.