TRD RSB Install: DIY?

[cklinh]

Since search has been wonky lately, I figured I'd ask first and deal with consequences later

Anyone here do the install yourself? Is it difficult?

I'm slightly mechanically inclined, so I'd want to do this by myself if it's not too difficult.

What tools are needed? I think I remember reading about a torque wrench. What about jack stands?

Oh, one other thing, were there installation manuals with the RSB? (although I'm picking it up used from CJSBlackBeauty)

[tacti]

I installed RSB with Mike T's help. It is not hard to install by yourself.

you don't need to jack up your car. you just go under the car and remove the original one with wrench and hex-screw driver (only if the nuts are too tight).

there are 3 nuts holding the bracket another at the end of the RSB (don't know how to call that part..).
you need to find the best angle to take the RSB out from the gap between exhaust and body.

hard to explain by word, but if you go under your car, you will see it.
I used Mobil One lubricant instead of the one comes with it. Mike heard from someone on this forum that OEM grease harden in cold weather..

let me know if you need any help.
good luck with your installation.

Tacti

[ThatVietGuy]

I installed mine (gen 1.5 though) and I think it would be much easier if you jacked it up and took a wheel off.

[michaels artic frost]

I installed RSB with Mike T's help. It is not hard to install by yourself.

you don't need to jack up your car. you just go under the car and remove the original one with wrench and hex-screw driver (only if the nuts are too tight).

there are 3 nuts holding the bracket another at the end of the RSB (don't know how to call that part..).
you need to find the best angle to take the RSB out from the gap between exhaust and body.

hard to explain by word, but if you go under your car, you will see it.
I used Mobil One lubricant instead of the one comes with it. Mike heard from someone on this forum that OEM grease harden in cold weather..

let me know if you need any help.
good luck with your installation.

Tacti

^^Yup, what Tact said.^^ Per DocJohn's recommendation I used Mobil 1 Synthetic grease, it comes in a blue tube and the grease is RED, it's about $5 bux, but much better then the grease that came with the RSB.

This is a fairly easy install so you shouldn't have any problem bro. I'd say bout an hour to complete.

-M

[DocJohn]

All above is correct.

1. Throw away the silicone lube that comes with the RSB and use Mobil One synthetic grease. You will be thankful you did everytime you drive your car in cold weather. (If you live in a warm climate area where it never goes below freezing the stock grease is okay to use).
2. Unless you're young and skinny, it will make the install al lot easier if you can get the rear of your car up on jack stands.
3. Finally,you really should use a torque wrench on the nuts and bolts when installing the RSB.

[cklinh]

All above is correct.

1. Throw away the silicone lube that comes with the RSB and use Mobil One synthetic grease. You will be thankful you did everytime you drive your car in cold weather. (If you live in a warm climate area where it never goes below freezing the stock grease is okay to use).
2. Unless you're young and skinny, it will make the install al lot easier if you can get the rear of your car up on jack stands.
3. Finally,you really should use a torque wrench on the nuts and bolts when installing the RSB.

Heh. Thanks for the reply guys.

1. I live in not so sunny california, but it hardly ever goes below freezing. Still, since I'm buying it used, I'll go and pick up the Mobil One. (There may be a few snow trips in the future)
2. I'm relatively young and not so skinny, BUT I have friends that ARE skinny. Cha-ching!
3. I figured as such. I'll need to borrow a torque wrench from said skinny friends I'll have to go look for the thread with the torque numbers.

[Assyrian]

those of you that have the RSB, how did the handling characteristics of your solara change? Any negative side to the mod?

[Somedude]

You need to use a jack and jack supports for this install, I am 5'4 / 131lbs and I couldn't install the RSB without a jack.

Follow the instructions on the manual, the best setting is the middle hole.

Good luck with the install.

The good: After I installed the Sway bar, I noticed a significant difference in the amount of body roll compared to the stock. Very little body roll, reduced understeer.

The bad: When I go over pothholes, I feel the bumps more.

[theprodigy79]

You need to use a jack and jack supports for this install, I am 5'4 / 131lbs and I couldn't install the RSB without a jack.

Follow the instructions on the manual, the best setting is the middle hole.

Good luck with the install.

The good: After I installed the Sway bar, I noticed a significant difference in the amount of body roll compared to the stock. Very little body roll, reduced understeer.

The bad: When I go over pothholes, I feel the bumps more.

Damn dude, you're small! I concur with Somedude though... you def need jack stands to install the RSB. My car was dropped before I installed it, but even before I dropped it I would have had some serious issues (I'm 6'2" 235). The jack stands make life a whole lot easier, trust us. Middle setting is prolly the best for ya.

-James

[cklinh]

Received mine today. Now, will someone that has the directions be so kind as to scan them in for me? Pretty please?

[ThatVietGuy]

Bring it down here and I'll do it

[cklinh]

Heh, I was just down there last weekend...
No way I'm coming again so soon!

[cklinh]

Thanks to everyone's help, me and a buddy (with the fiancee providing moral support) went ahead and installed this sucker.

Things got complicated when I realized the torque wrench I had didn't work under 20 lb-ft (14 was needed)... BUT, a quick trip to the auto parts store and all is well.

Gave it a quick test run, and even though it was raining, I, along with my fiancee in the passenger's seat, saw a world of difference in making U-turns...

Gotta wait for a sunnier day to test it out some more...

[Gorcman]

i got a quick question..... if I do the install myself, do i void my warranty?

Also, is there any way for Toyota to know whether i installed the part myself or had it done at a dealership?

[theprodigy79]

Nope, you don't void your warranty... However you get a 1 year warranty instead of a 3 year.

Besides actually checking with the dealer that did the installation, no... however some picky dealers will either call the dealership that did the installation or request that you bring in the installation paperwork at the time of your warranty service.