Is alignment needed after installing Strut Tower Brace?

**sk8runeg** · 01-17-2006, 08:19 PM

I am about to uy a STB for my car and I'm just wondering if I will nee dna anlingment once I install it?

Thanks
-Scott

**Fastcar** · 01-17-2006, 08:47 PM

In a word, no, unless your alignment is off already. The STB just ties the 2 shock towers together and makes the front end stiffer. If the STB forces the shock towers further apart or closer together then you've got bigger problems. It's only a support and should bolt right in without any major effort.

**bad99ta** · 01-18-2006, 05:52 AM

You shouldn't need an alignment after installing a STB.

**Eugenio_SS** · 01-18-2006, 06:55 PM

same as above... no need.

**Fastcar** · 01-18-2006, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by sk8runeg

I am about to uy a STB for my car and I'm just wondering if I will nee dna anlingment once I install it?

Thanks
-Scott

Here's a simple analogy that describes how an STB works: look at a styrofoam cup - the empty interior of the cup is equivalent to your engine compartment. The cup bottom = front suspension which is stiff because of the K member, various support structures, etc. Without a lid the top of the cup flexes rather easily, because there's no support on the sides of the cup. When you put a lid (=STB) on the cup it immediately becomes more stiff because the lid ties the sides together preventing flexing. Yet, the lid fits snugly on the cup - it doesn't force the sides of the cup inwards or outwards. That, in essence, is how a STB works.

**bad99ta** · 01-19-2006, 04:25 AM

Fastcar that's a great analogy!

**BIG D's SS** · 01-19-2006, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by bad99ta

Fastcar that's a great analogy!

I agree that is one of the best descriptions of a STB that I have ever heard.

**sk8runeg** · 01-19-2006, 07:22 AM

thanks guys!

**Fastcar** · 01-19-2006, 07:18 PM

Thank you, thank you... I'll be here all week (and then some)

**third_shift|studios** · 01-20-2006, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Fastcar

Thank you, thank you... I'll be here all week (and then some)

eh shit...just go home.

:j/k:

**BlackTAWS6** · 01-21-2006, 08:25 PM

Just hopefully you dont use your lid as a coaster? j/k

**02z28ls1** · 01-22-2006, 09:55 AM

How many shows a night? Matinee on Saturday?Try the veal?

Seriously that was a great anology-and the STB does stiffen up the front end on my car noticeably.

**Fastcar** · 01-22-2006, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by 02z28ls1

How many shows a night? Matinee on Saturday?Try the veal?

Seriously that was a great anology-and the STB does stiffen up the front end on my car noticeably.

Only 1 long show per night, any more takes too much out of me. 1/2 price matinee on Sundays, and yes the veal is good for the price. I put a Hotchkis STB in my T/A. Before I had it the front end would "dance" and shake if I hit a pothole - I could feel that the front end was loose. Now that problem's gone and the car tracks better when I hit a bump. Also, a word of warning: always keep the lid on the cup when you're drinking a hot beverage while driving. That way if you hit a bump you won't spill the hot liquid in your crotch, lose control of your car and end up taking another F-body off the road! The hell with sueing MickeyDee's cuz' they didn't warn you that a hot beverage would be, well HOT (DOH), they don't make F-bodies any more!