Cusco Rear Strut Bar

[JPxM0Dz]

Originally Posted by Juanito08

I know this thread is old, but I had a quick question. Does the strut bar sit flush to the spare cover? Or is there a small "gap"? Is so about how big of a gap?

There's a gap, maybe a half inch or better

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[SakDiesel]

Great write up, just as another option rather than cutting the carpet the way the manual says. I took the center bar out and installed the two brackets. Then I marked the top of the two brackets with a silver sharpie marker and while still wet I lined up the carped and pressed down, thus transferring the silver sharpie to the rear of the carpet where the brackets were. Then I used an exacto knife to just cut two slits on each side for the bracket to poke up through. Wiped the sharpie off the brackets and pressed the carpet down over the brackets. And then finally installed the center bar. Here is a pic:

[SakDiesel]

Another Pic:

[ProjectD]

Originally Posted by SakDiesel

Great write up, just as another option rather than cutting the carpet the way the manual says. I took the center bar out and installed the two brackets. Then I marked the top of the two brackets with a silver sharpie marker and while still wet I lined up the carped and pressed down, thus transferring the silver sharpie to the rear of the carpet where the brackets were. Then I used an exacto knife to just cut two slits on each side for the bracket to poke up through. Wiped the sharpie off the brackets and pressed the carpet down over the brackets. And then finally installed the center bar. Here is a pic:

Originally Posted by SakDiesel

Another Pic:

Well done. Thanks for sharing. Will be giving this a try.

[wytcpl]

Thanks for uploading, seems very helpful!

I've heard from many places that the rear strut bar isn't compatible with 86s with a spare tire in the rear. Does anybody know if the rear wheel storage position is any different with the USA version of the car from the Australian version?

The only difference from the USA version that I can see is that the Australian version comes with a hard rubberised boot mat that covers the wheel in a 'donut' like fashion. Obviously the mat needs to be removed to install the strut bar. Does anyone have any ideas if the rear bar will fit the Australian car?

Cheers!

[ProjectD]

Originally Posted by Spartan65

did you install this while the car was lifted to pre load the chassis?

If this was a rule of thumb, wouldn't it have been specified in the directions? I'm asking for self knowledge, not to disagree as I am still in my "learning" phase. Thanks.

Most of reviews and DIY I've seen didn't mention it....?

[AGM6789]

Originally Posted by SakDiesel

Another Pic:

I knew this was an option! I really didn't want to cut the mat like the manual says.. Was contemplating on doing this..

thanks for the confirmation!

[sbxjap]

Another option is use whiteout. It's a bit easier to clean than Sharpie, lol. Same idea though. I still have to do mine... And gotta cut the rear cargo mat I got, smh.

[neutron256]

Just finished my install, great write up. I had zero issues. One suggestion for cutting the foam. If you have and oscillating tool like a Fein, or Dremal Multimax it cuts through the foam like butter giving you great control and the ability to quickly shave off thing layers until you have a perfect fit.

[Lokenzi]

Rubber mats, does it clear?

[JMon85]

I'm about to cut mine.. so scared im going to f*ck it up...

[Tristor]

Originally Posted by JMon85

I'm about to cut mine.. so scared im going to f*ck it up...

I just used a utility knife to cut the carpeted mat when I did my install. My cuts weren’t perfect, but from outside the trunk looking in, it looks good. Just relax, measure twice, cut once. You’ll be fine.