DIY - Strut Tower Brace - FT-86 SpeedFactory
 

Houston86.com DIY Back again. This time we'll be installing a strut tower brace. We focus on the @FT-86 SpeedFactory version, but this should transfer easily to other vendor's products. The main difference that other braces may actually use the three bolts on the actual strut itself. I'll highlight in a separate post. It's fairly simple to install; you don't even have to jack up your vehicle! It does reduces body roll which I do not like.

Full thoughts and closeups in this post: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20863

As always I am not responsible for any damage done to your vehicle. Please be safe.


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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-01 by VictorN07, on Flickr

Service Manual
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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-02 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-03 by VictorN07, on Flickr

Check out the DIY for the alternate hood prop position here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20912
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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-04 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-05 by VictorN07, on Flickr

Be careful not to drop your hardware!
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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-06 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-08 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-09 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-10 by VictorN07, on Flickr

The OEM braces have markings to indicate Right and Left. Although reversible, we zip tie the end that goes on the firewall in case we have to reuse them later.
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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-11 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-12 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-13 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-14 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-15 by VictorN07, on Flickr

Torque to specified values in the service manual
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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-17 by VictorN07, on Flickr

This part is optional
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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-18 by VictorN07, on Flickr

You can buy this at any hardware store
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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-19 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-20 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-21 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-FT86SpeedFactoryStrutTowerBraceDIY-22 by VictorN07, on Flickr

For those products which mount to the stop of the actual strut using the three bolts use these pictures as your reference. A 12mm deep socket is required

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20121025-StrutTowerBraceDIYAlt-01 by VictorN07, on Flickr

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20121025-StrutTowerBraceDIYAlt-02 by VictorN07, on Flickr

nice what does it weigh please?

I knew I forgot something. Didn't weigh it, but carrying it, it isn't more than 2-3 lbs. the stock bars I can weigh soon.

VERY interesting. Won't fit my car but interested to see how it holds up for others.