Is the trd front strut bar good, or is there a better one? Also, if I read correctly, installation done with the car lifted?

 

They're all about the same for performance... what little you might actually get out of it.

If I had to pick any, I'd say DC Sports or TRD... since they're solid, welded pieces and don't have joints/bolts/etc that could flex more than the rest of the pieces.

As for install, from what I've heard/read, you should jack the car up so that there is no load on the strut towers when you install it. I suppose that's intended to help stiffen the chassis when you put it back down.

I think if you don't already have at least a rear sway bar (or the hotchkis front/rear set), your performance money would be better spent there first.

 

i already have the trd springs and rear sway. how long do you think is the install? it seems very simple, jack the car then install the bar with the right torque.

 

There are a few DIYs and related threads here I'm sure. If you search for front strut bar install, you'll probably get a ton of results.

It should take less than an hour...

 

The hotchkis front strut tie bar is the same as the TRD (exact same) except that it isn't powdercoated red nor does it have the trd badge on it. Other than that its the same. Of course, hotchkis costs much less.

I used to run a DC but the ingalls stiffy, it was a bit uncomfortable, so I switched to the hotchkis. Neither were noticable in any way. I personally would do the hotchkis so you leave more doors open. Although you can install an engine torque damper with a dc, it is uncomfortable. Plus, I think the hotchkis/trd looks better and it doesn't cause any rubbing/hitting problems like my dc did for me.

 

I used to think they were exactly the same too... but they're not - at least from everything I've seen. They may be the same pieces, but the assembly is different.

The TRD is welded. The Hotchkis is bolted.

 

I think im gonna go with the TRD, I kinda like having all TRD suspension, I guess thats my "theme" since i have TRD springs and rear sway radiator cap and especially TRD badges.

 

Here is my ride with the Hotchkis bar. I just recently purchased the DC Sports and I will install that one soon. For those people who don't know, the Hotchkis is a three piece setup, and what appears to be an aluminum bar with a brushed/satin finish. I am actually selling mine BTW.

---> https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...844&highlight=

If you install a strut bar on your own, you do not need to lift or jack the vehicle up, there may be a DIY on that.

 

Pic fixed... but the link you had doesn't seem to actually point to the photo - but I've already heard of Photobucket issues this morning, so that could be related.

 

thanks Ack.