hey all, i just got some front and rear strut bars
i have read that you will need a torque wrench? do i really need it, they are expensive ! if so, what are the torque specs for a 2000 civic hatchback (i threw away my hanes manual cuz it got wet and moldy)

thanks!!

 

It is recommended. Try to get one from a buddy of yours.

 

did you get upper and lower? The torque wrench is STRONGLY recommended. YOu have to remember, that the bolts your playing with, are part of what holds your shocks in place. If i remember correctly, its 36ft Lbs under the hood, 30 in the trunk, and 72 or 74 on each axle underneath if you got the whole kit. Those last two are a B I T C H to get torqued to spec, so jack your car up as high as you can. Also, check out my web site in my sig, go to page two and there are a bunch of pics from when we did my full set install, should help out a little.

 

thanks for all the help, i couldnt find a torque wrench but i picked one up for 20 bucks! yah i got the front and rear upper struts and a rear lower tie bar. managed to get the rear upper installed (with much cutting of plastic) but the front one wouldnt fit cuz of the stock air filter assembly, luckily i just picked up a cold air intake so that will remedy that problem. The rest will be installed today, sweet!
oh and btw, the torque specs are 36 lb/ft for both front and rear upper (according to the haynes manual i have)

thanks again folks
cnote

 

I'm afraid to order the front struts for my 97... i dont want to open the box and have the CAI be in the way. Has this ever happened to anyone?

 

cnote...not trying to hijack your post but it seem like you figured things out..

Now Vadagar--I'm not an expert and I don't have a CAI but I do have a top front strut bar and mine JUST BARELY TOUCHES my stock intake and a metal bracket beside it. I wouldn't think the bar would interfere with simply a pipe cause it doesn't have that rectangle thing that the stock intake has...Anybody else?? Anybody??

[IMG]local://upfiles/6036/A8A649032DDB4F998BFDC1C7E0987AB8.jpg[/IMG]

Oh BTW I got a 98 coupe...practically same car

 

Thats me right here:

See how my CAI goes up pretty high? I dont believe a strut bar would fit..

[IMG]local://upfiles/9511/FD1E5D0C91C7439C92525FCCEF00D708.jpg[/IMG]

 

its a little hard to tell but im thinking u wont have enough clearence for a strut bar Vadagar...

 

Do you think it would be foolhardy to just install the rear strut bar? Will i even see much of a difference?

 

Do a little research for your application. I know they make them in a form compatible with a vertical mount IM. what year is your car?