Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Yet another Aussie Bar Installation!

Since today was such a nice day I decided to install the Aussie Bar w/ upgraded (Non welding type) Backing Plates.

Installation:
Overall it was pretty easy. I didn't even have to lower my gas tank. And really I'm not that sure why you even have too. I just shoved the bar in between the space and it went in without too much force. I guess some ppls might be a bit tighter?

I took all endlinks out as well, washed with alcohol and cleaned all the grit/grime that was on the polybushings I installed not too long ago. Of course I greased the endlink & Bar bushings up alot. I went to Advanced auto and picked up some thick Waterproof grease. (Valvoline Synthetic) Hopefully this will last a bit longer than the supplied lube.

1) After cleaning everthing I put the endlinks back in and left them loose.
2) Then I shoved the Aussie bar into position
3) I placed the backing plates w/ bushing on the Aussie Bar. The Backing plates just sandwich the old (welded in) backing plate and tighten it with a bolt. Actually a pretty neat design, good job guys! No welding necessary!
4) After the bushings & plates are in position sandwich the old welded in plate, and put the stock bolt in. Don't tighten too much yet.
5) Attach the Aussie Bar to the endlinks with the stock bolt & nut.
6) Now I tightened all the bolts up. I started first with the backing plates then the upper endlink conectors(5) and last the lower endlink bolts.

I did all of this with a loaded suspension (No lift) so if your off the ground wait to tighten until your on the ground. I'm sure there are better instructions but I figured a bit more wouldn't hurt.

Ride Quality: was very impressive. I was thinking the rear end would harshen up a bit. It actually was alot smoother. No squeaks what so ever, before I was getting alot of noise.

Much to my surprise Body Roll was reduced ALOT! As well as front end plow when turning sharply. Overall I felt like I could turn into turns much faster and didn't feel like my car was going to plow out of control.

Rear end was stiffened up quite a bit! I took a sharp 90 degree turn going about 30-35 and accellerated quickly out. The rear end swung around and surprised the hell out of me!

I'm not sure if that was because I was pushing it more than I usually do or if it was solely because of the AussieBar but either way it gave me a more comfortable feeling and allowed me to drive faster throughout the turn. I like that!

Negatives: None so far. Backing plates work GREAT! Ride/Handling much improved, and hopefully since the bushings are threaded they will hold the grease better and not dry out so quick.

Overall Impression: A++
I have heard alot of Great things about the Aussie Bar. And I had my doubts at first. In reality most ppl don't knock something they just dropped $140 on and you usually get an exaggerated opinion with none of the faults.

Let me say this was not the case with the Aussie Bar. With the exception of the installation (Dropping the Gas Tank) everything was true!

Definately worth every penny! Someone did their homework *CoughAussieCough*

Now I just need some $$ for a Bat kit and I'll be done with the suspension!

Anyways Sorry for rambling!

Well I'm off to hit the backroads! I'm visiting my parents here in Asheville, and there are plenty of curvy Blue Ridge PKWY mountains to drive on.

Later

jcboeckl, where did you get the bolt-in backing plates? I thought the only ones that Aussie was selling where weld-in.

Got them from Terry when I bought my Aussie Bar. I asked him if there was any way I could not weld it in.

Thanks for the reply...I guess no one else seems to car about the review?

Woo Hoo...

I love mine...

The rear end does come around a little sooner. However it's more of a controlled motion and it almost stops right in the sweet spot of the corner.

I am still quite impressed with how well behaved the back end is now.

Thanks for the Install info. My Aussie bar is sitting in the garage waiting for Aussie to send me my upgraded plates. Its been raining here in the Midwest, so no real time to install it anyway. It would have been nice to AutoX tomorrow with the bar in.

BTW I used to live in Arden, NC, that is where the Asheville, NC airport is. The road in the mountains are fun to run on, but watch out for the Winebagos. My brother lives in Fletcher, NC he has a nice Maxima with stillen mods, we used to run the parkway on Sunday mornings.

Ha thats funny! Thats actually where I was at, I just said Asheville since more ppl know it better than Arden Just a few mins down the road though.

Did you go to highschool there? I went to TC Roberson.

My father has a Green Altima with a few stillen mods...Not much though. I'm always surprised with the amount of torque in those nissan engines! Always puts a smile on my face.

Good Luck on the install...It really wasn't near as hard as I thought it was.

On my way back to Raleigh today I noticed I was getting some knocking back there. I think things just need to be tightened up a bit. I though I tightened everything down pretty well but I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

Later

I went to High School in Ocala, Florida. My brother is principal at Fletcher Academy, a Christian High School in Fletcher.

Hehe...I went to middle school not to far away from Ocala Fl..

Used to go camping and mountain bike riding there all the time.

Lived in a town called Leesburg...little town

Oh and I know exactly where Fletcher Academy is...used to play Basketball there all the time.

congrats and enjoy it!

**sigh...as I stare at mine in its brown paper bag leaning against the wall in my bedroom**

the info is great, a relief to know that I should be able to get mine in without moving the tank, just need to get plates welded in...hmmm

I still don't understand how you can get away with not welding the upgraded backing plates it. One end can be bolted in (using the existing hole and weld nut), but what about the other end, where the OE bracket's hook end slips into its subframe's slot? How do you attach a flat metal plate at the hook end?

-Kurt