Just letting you guys know the Nitto lower rear strut bar for the Yaris fits the XD. I just installed it yesterday. I took it for a quick trip around the block, and to me it feels like it has better turn in now. It's a little harder to install than the TRD sway bar, but that wasn't hard at all. Now my torsion beam is uber stiff. I plan on getting springs and shocks when I get new wheels, but this was just inexpensive and effective. I wanted to go out and play some more with it today, but this white fluffy stuff squashed that. http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/IMG_0193.jpgYou can see I paired this with the TRD sway bar. It fits nicely.http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/IMG_0195.jpg Down here we are not used to this stuff. It closes down everything for days!http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/IMG_0196.jpg

Oh, and thanks to Garm at Micro Image for the help and measurements.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/IMG_0188Stitch.jpg

Looking good. Makes you wonder how many other Yaris parts bolt on for us. Any special fabs needed to get it to fit right or was it really just bolt-on simple?

It bolted right up!

looks good i might go for this now lol. i have always wondered if a good flywheel or clutch kit for a yaris would fit our car but i do know there are alot of parts that match on one car to the other just have to find what parts those are lol

You can check part numbers. If they are the same they should fit. Different part number though can be a red flag, but not a deffinate no. Just use common sense. As for questions on parts from micro image, just email him, and he can help.

i saw this post so i did some research of my own and found that the whole rear strut assembly for the xd is the same as the yaris. so i ordered the rear upper strut bar. I'm installing it tomorrow, pics shall follow. i plan on gettin the rear under strut bar next. that'll complete my frame stiffening upgrades.

this is what i will have:
- strut tower bar
-rear sway bar
-rear upper strut tower bar
-rear under strut tower bar

next is a set of eibach lowering springs.

Can we install both a rear sway bar and rear lower shock brace?

(http://shop.microimageonline.com/NITTO-Rear-Lower-Shock-Brace-RSB-01.htm)

Yup, you can see in the pic I have both the TRD rear sway (darker red) and the nitto rear strut bar on (lighter red).
Xdrajicalxd I can't wait to see the pics, and your thoughts on the entire setup.

i believe almost all the suspension parts are exactly the same. i wonder if the yaris rear brake caliper kit would work on the xd just get different rotors or something?

how's the ground clearance with the rear under strut bar?

Wait until daylight, and I'll post a pic.
Ok here you go. Measured a little below 6.5" clearance (which won't change if you lower your car)http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/8ac15545.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/9106d2a1.jpg


And yes it would be cool if the yaris rear brake conversion kit could be adapted. If only someone lived in California could drive to Microimage to test out parts to see what would work.

thanks nateson, i think i'll get that after all. i'll be posting pics/instructions of the rear upper strut bar tomorrow when it's all done. it's a very tedious process.

:nails: :relief: :biggrin:

installation instruction and pics to follow

unboxed
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/a/a/strut_bar_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agh5r.jpg

after removal of plastic covers.

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/e/7/strut_bar_pic_2_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aghlt.jpg

grip bottom bolt with adjustable wrench, use socket wrench to loosen top bolt.
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/e/c/strut_bar_3_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aghsw.jpg

in order to loosen the bottom bolt you must grip the flat part of the strut screw with an adjustable wrench so that it doesn't rotate, otherwise it won't loosen the bottom bolt.
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/9/1/strut_bar_4_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aghym.jpg

a close up of the removal of the bottom bolt. This whole method can be avoided if you have an air wrench, but i didn't think about it until later.
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/1/5/strut_bar_5_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agi5p.jpg

after removal of both bolts.
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/0/8/strut_bar_6_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agiy7.jpg

strut bar over the strut screw.
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/b/a/strut_bar_7_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agj6l.jpg

put a washer over the screw where the bolts will go on.
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/0/7/strut_bar_8_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agkf8.jpg

you can either use one lock-bolt or two bolts. an air wrench makes instillation a breeze. tighten until it won't get any tighter on the bottom bolt, then the same with the top bolt. then place the socket over both and finish the job. Make sure you have deep sockets for this.

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/7/7/strut_bar_9_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agl7u.jpg


right side.
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/6/8/strut_bar_10_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aglru.jpg

final proof that the suspension components for the Yaris and the xD are the same.
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/2/e/strut_bar_12_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agm73.jpg

a Nitto rear upper strut brace for the Toyota Yaris, installed in a Scion xD
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/2/7/strut_bar_13_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agmg5.jpg

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/3/c/strut_bar_11_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aglya.jpg

It looks really good man! I also like your center water fall -silver.

thanks. i'm ordering the rear under shock brace on friday. Saturday i'm installing the NST lightened crank pulley. Then installing the rear under strut brace and the Injen cold air intake when they both arrive. The intake is an upgrade to my K&N short ram intake. Then at the end of the month i'm installing my light-weight racing seats, which i will post pics/instillation instructions for.

I have the injen intake and the lightened crank pulley installed. I like them both, and I have pics of both (even took a pic of the weight difference in the pulleys).

The pulley can be difficult to install. An impact wrench is what I would recommend. I don't know if installation would be different for an automatic though. I tried removing the old pulley with just a wrench, but it would just turn my wheel with it. So I tried different things ( I can't remember what, I've drank since then), but even with someone in the car pressing the brakes while I wrenched on it I couldn't get it to work. What little progress I could turn the nut would be eaten up by the flex in the clutch springs (I assume). So I ended up using an electric impact wrench to knock off the old and secure the new. That little electric impact wrench I got from Walmart has been worth its wait in gold ($30). It's supposed to be torqued to something like 140flbs to 150lbs, but my torque wrench doesn't go that high. I couldn't do it by hand on jack stands anyway. So my thought process was if it (the impact wrench) could knock off the old then it should be able to secure the new. I've been keeping an eye on it, and no problems so far. My car is a manual, I don't know what yours may be.

I've enjoyed my Injen intake so far, but I am curious about the short ram intakes. Supposedly you get better response, but the cold air gives a little more power. I am keen to hear your thoughts between the two. Having the Injen intake I also bought their Hydro Shield. I have since removed the Hydro Shield because I've found that it tends to let moister sit on the filter. I have some pics if you would like. I think the scenario was either it sat a couple of days or it was just a couple days later. Either way, days after it rained I popped the hood to look at something and reached down. I felt that my filter was damp. I removed the filter with Hydro Shield and saw it was a little moldy and damp. After inspection of the filter sans shield it was just on the bottom. Apparently the shield helped retain some moister which accumulated on the bottom of the filter where no direct water would be able to reach. I believe I'm better without it, and hey might save you some money.

Wait until daylight, and I'll post a pic.
Ok here you go. Measured a little below 6.5" clearance (which won't change if you lower your car)http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/8ac15545.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/9106d2a1.jpg


And yes it would be cool if the yaris rear brake conversion kit could be adapted. If only someone lived in California could drive to Microimage to test out parts to see what would work.


If they just let me test out parts for a day/week, whatever. I will totally drive 500 miles over there to do it. i def want to get rid of this stupid rear brake drum!

Great info yo, definitely something to pick up in the future. Did my tien s-techs, strup and axle-back, and tanabe tower brace yesterday. Here's a pic of tower brace.

Great info yo, definitely something to pick up in the future. Did my tien s-techs, strup and axle-back, and tanabe tower brace yesterday. Here's a pic of tower brace.
Sweet! Do you have a pic of how far it comes from the battery terminal?

Sweet! Do you have a pic of how far it comes from the battery terminal?
It's close, I will put up a pic as soon as I can.

I need to take more pics this is the one I took on day of install...
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m70/PIONEER05/IMG_20110306_104513.jpg

I need to take more pics this is the one I took on day of install...
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m70/PIONEER05/IMG_20110306_104513.jpg

whats the wire coming off the front of your battery?

and i was wondering if this actually did fit. now i will get it when the funds are there 8)

whats the wire coming off the front of your battery?

and i was wondering if this actually did fit. now i will get it when the funds are there 8)
The wire is for the harness for my bi-xenon kit. Yeah the brace fits perfect.

yeah that makes sense i see the transformer on the passenger side for that one. which ones are you running speaking of

yeah that makes sense i see the transformer on the passenger side for that one. which ones are you running speaking of
Some brand called xentec I believe

yo nateson, do you have to jack up the car to take the tension off of the suspension in order to instal the under brace?

Yes you do. There's a jack point on the back to lift the entire rear end. It looks like a 3 or 4 inch wide prong. You'll also need something to leverage the wheel back up to the stock to slip the bolt through. I used a 2x4 and a hammer handle to make a long armed lever to push it into place. If you need more info don't hesitate to ask. I can also get some pics.

thanks for the info. some pics would be a huge help

Hope this helpshttp://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/92f382ff.jpg
^^^Now this is really vague, so I ended almost jacking it up in the wrong spot.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/5d1b0dc3.jpg

^^^This is where you're suppose to jack it up at.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/19e928a2.jpg

Now for the four bolts that attach to the spring seat on each side will just take some time. I put the washer and nut up top on three because it was easier that way, but one I had to reverse because I just couldn't fanagle it like the others.

Oh and thanks Ricantc for posting the pic!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/natofrombombato/91472137.jpg
Unlike the TRD bar this bolt must be all the way out to install this bar. Really this part was easy to remove and install!

thanks for the great pics! this will make the process go much faster. much appreciated bro

No problem man, anytime!

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/071/3/a/rear_under_shock_brace__by_rastamonbuddha-d3biel9.jpghttp://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/071/1/2/rear_under_shock_brace__by_rastamonbuddha-d3bidz7.jpg

Mighty fine sir! How do you like it?

it's nice. makes the ride a lot less bouncy. and now my car has virtually no body roll.

Definitely want to do this to finish up the suspension on the xD. Did you guys order from that micro image site?

Definitely want to do this to finish up the suspension on the xD. Did you guys order from that micro image site?

Yes Sir.

Yes Sir.
Thank you sir:bow:

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/079/3/6/staggared_view_by_rastamonbuddha-d3c3j55.jpg

MOST of the yaris suspension pieces will fit your xd....

like my tein springs.

MOST of the yaris suspension pieces will fit your xd....

Yup they share a chassis. Just trying to separate the do from the do not in the MOST part of it.

Yup they share a chassis. Just trying to separate the do from the do not in the MOST part of it.

GT SPEC bars will also work with you guys for the underneath. as a former test fit vehicle i can attest to their GOODNESS....

GT SPEC bars will also work with you guys for the underneath. as a former test fit vehicle i can attest to their GOODNESS....

do you still have it on to take/post pix?

here's my car from GTSPEC website.....
http://www.gtspec.com/catalog/products-car/toyota

click on ANY of the yaris items to see it on my car....

Thanks man, I had never heard of them.

SOMEONE should jump on them for a test fitting. i think a few of vitz's megan racing bars that were removed found their way onto Zefoxe's ride.

unboxed
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/a/a/strut_bar_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agh5r.jpg

after removal of plastic covers.

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/e/7/strut_bar_pic_2_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aghlt.jpg

grip bottom bolt with adjustable wrench, use socket wrench to loosen top bolt.
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/e/c/strut_bar_3_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aghsw.jpg

in order to loosen the bottom bolt you must grip the flat part of the strut screw with an adjustable wrench so that it doesn't rotate, otherwise it won't loosen the bottom bolt.
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/9/1/strut_bar_4_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aghym.jpg

a close up of the removal of the bottom bolt. This whole method can be avoided if you have an air wrench, but i didn't think about it until later.
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/1/5/strut_bar_5_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agi5p.jpg

after removal of both bolts.
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/0/8/strut_bar_6_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agiy7.jpg

strut bar over the strut screw.
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/b/a/strut_bar_7_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agj6l.jpg

put a washer over the screw where the bolts will go on.
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/0/7/strut_bar_8_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agkf8.jpg

you can either use one lock-bolt or two bolts. an air wrench makes instillation a breeze. tighten until it won't get any tighter on the bottom bolt, then the same with the top bolt. then place the socket over both and finish the job. Make sure you have deep sockets for this.

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/7/7/strut_bar_9_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agl7u.jpg


right side.
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/6/8/strut_bar_10_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aglru.jpg

final proof that the suspension components for the Yaris and the xD are the same.
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/057/2/e/strut_bar_12_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agm73.jpg

a Nitto rear upper strut brace for the Toyota Yaris, installed in a Scion xD
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/2/7/strut_bar_13_by_rastamonbuddha-d3agmg5.jpg

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/057/3/c/strut_bar_11_by_rastamonbuddha-d3aglya.jpg



how much does this go for?? i want one ? :D

www.microimageonline.com (http://www.microimageonline.com) and ask for garm.....

Would I notice an improvement in handling if I were to install just the rear upper strut brace? I already have trd sway bar.

Would I notice an improvement in handling if I were to install just the rear upper strut brace? I already have trd sway bar.

to quote a fellow member on here (TAMAGO) i have to say NO.....

looks good tho!

It does look good! No sense in adding extra weight for negligible gains though. Looks like its back ordered anyway.

It does look good! No sense in adding extra weight for negligible gains though. Looks like its back ordered anyway.
LOOKS GOOD and is a conversation piece BUT the bar by itself is just for looks in my .02. besides in my car it just takes up cargo space and i mostly use it to keep my grocery bags from going all over....

wow, this feed blew up all the sudden. :shock: the part is only $99, and i did feel a difference in body roll while cornering. Also, the car seems to flex less when taking a tight corner, and the bar prevents the shocks from causing the ride to feel bouncy on rough roads. i'd say it definitley stiffens the ride and makes the car feel more solid, and for the price it's as effective as you could expect. It's a shame it's on back-order now. I also have the Tenabe strut tower bar, TRD rear sway bar, and Nitto rear under shock brace.

Did you experience the improvement ( from the upper strut brace) independently from the rear lower shock brace, or did you install them at the same time?

Thank to you guys I pick up the megan racing sway bar yesterday and installed it I will post some picture later. It really help when I take the corner hardly any body roll.

Did you experience the improvement ( from the upper strut brace) independently from the rear lower shock brace, or did you install them at the same time?

i installed the rear upper strut brace first. so yes, it's improvements were felt independent of the under shock brace. my car is stiff as a board now. it feels like how a stock mazdaspeed 3 handles.

Awesome! While the Nitto brace is back ordered, I found that GTSPEC makes one for the Yaris aswell looks like the exact same thing, here: http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/gtspec-aluminum-type-rear-strut-brace-toyota-yaris-p-47144.html Cheapest place I could find it.

5288

5289

5290

5291

I contacted Garm from mircoimage, he said more Nitto URS bars should be coming in about 2 weeks!