strut bar installation

[chicoPT]

can you guys tell me how to install the freedom design strut bar, i don't want to do it wrong, thanks.

[Sci-Fi]

Take off the 2 front nuts for each strut. Place right bracket in first and just start nuts on threads to hold that side in. For left side, you need a long, wide screwdriver or flatbar to leverage the bracket onto the studs. Should be able to "catch" the middle stud 1st, then move screwdriver to different position to leverage the front hole onto the stud and press down on the bracket. Replace all the nuts and torque them to 25 ft-lbs, including the rear one that you didn't take off. Torque the nuts in stages and evenly, maybe to 10-15 ft-lbs then 25 ft-lbs. Wait a few minutes then recheck the torque on the nuts. Pretty easy 5-10 min installation. Then take the PT out for a test drive and feel the improved handling.

2002 Almond Pearl Limited Edition 27K

[dev]

Can you describe what changed with the improved handling after the strut bar installation? Do you feel it's a good investment?

[Sci-Fi]

The tower strut bar reduces the body flex in the front end resulting in a tighter structure that aids handling without affecting ride quality. If you look at some of the older cars, you can find spring tower braces that are bolted from the spring tower to the firewall (like Fords for instance). In racing, you will find tower strut braces used widely. And if you change the anti-sway bars as well, the difference in handling is even greater. My PT has the Freedom Design tower strut bar and AddCo anti-sway bars and the handling is fantastic and very neutral (minimum understeer) compared to the stock setup. And this is with the stock springs and shocks. The ride quality is not affected and you only notice the difference when cornering. IMHO, these mods are the best bang for the buck, even if you only install the tower strut bar.

2002 Almond Pearl Limited Edition 27K

[dev]

It looks like the strut bar is going to be the next modification when the $$$$ allows. Thanks