agarick

Does anyone have any experience with either the Tanabe or TRD front strut brace? Installation, performance, etc...

smokeydog001

I had the TRD front strut brace on my xA, but its effect wasn't noticeable. Also had TRD lowering springs. The biggest impact came with the instillation of the TRD rear sway bar! I won't fool with the strut brace on my xD, but a rear sway bar is mandatory. Will also go for a less harsh ride with the Tanabe NF210s this time

ChelsDS

I've heard that the front bar won't do much for the xD and that you won't notice a difference at all. The rear bar is supposedly where it's at

Actually I think TRD stopped producing the front bar since it had to do with it obstructing the battery. Not entirely sure though. For Tanabe I haven't seen if their bars are out yet at all but I know they have them because they tested them on my car.

offroadinfrontier

^ true. The xD's combination of rigid chassis behind the engine and front strut tower location act as a giant built-in strut bar. Spend the bucks on a rear sway bar, which the xD's lack completely.

Installation of the rear sway bar takes about 15 minutes, even for someone inexperienced. The useless front strut brace takes a bit longer and is a PITA.

Best bucks for body lean combating will always be sport springs/shocks, but that's also a lot more than a rear sway bar ;-) They are fairly easy to install at home, though.