More Things I Do Not Know........

From what I remember and understand is that the TRD part is better than the stock bracing being that came on later cars. TRD wasn't the only one that made that brace as there were a few other manufactures that had something similar and the ultimate was the TOMs which is a bit more elaborate.   

How much better it will be compared to the stock braces is not really known. 

Thanks Dev!

Do you happen to know if one of the small straight braces is meant to replace the brace on my car indicated by the arrow? 

Posted by: DesertWanderer

Thanks Dev!

 

Do you happen to know if one of the small straight braces is meant to replace the brace on my car indicated by the arrow? 

I believe so but the mounting point to the subframe looks a  little different.  I believe  the TRD part bolts directly to where one of the trailing arms mounts. 

Basically it joins both control arms mounting points and the subframe adding a good amount of rigidity. I have always felt the mounting points on the subframe for the control arms  Is a weak link.  

Incidentally  a member from the Netherlands  is planing to make one of the Toms brace at my request for testing  that will  link the other side of the subframe.  No one really knows if this brace will do anything but I plan to find out once he completes it.  

 If I do feel it adds something  I will have him make them for our community.  

Cool! Thanks Dev!

I have the TRD rear braces on my car.  I don't remember removing any existing bars when I installed mine.  This was several years ago.  But I think I would have remembered that.  My car is a 2001.  So it's possible Toyota added stock bracing in later models like they did up front.  The TRD bars look like they are maybe a bit more substantial than that stock bar.  But, I don't know if there would be any real difference or not.

Posted by: @lordtakuban

I have the TRD rear braces on my car.  I don't remember removing any existing bars when I installed mine.  This was several years ago.  But I think I would have remembered that.  My car is a 2001.  So it's possible Toyota added stock bracing in later models like they did up front.  The TRD bars look like they are maybe a bit more substantial than that stock bar.  But, I don't know if there would be any real difference or not.

Yeah the early cars had no such braces. It's an 04 and up feature I believe. Also I doubt the rigidity of those bars matters at all. they are designed for in and out force, not bending force.

Thanks to all! I love learning about this fabulous little car!

Posted by: @haloruler64

Posted by: @lordtakuban

I have the TRD rear braces on my car.  I don't remember removing any existing bars when I installed mine.  This was several years ago.  But I think I would have remembered that.  My car is a 2001.  So it's possible Toyota added stock bracing in later models like they did up front.  The TRD bars look like they are maybe a bit more substantial than that stock bar.  But, I don't know if there would be any real difference or not.

Yeah the early cars had no such braces. It's an 04 and up feature I believe. Also I doubt the rigidity of those bars matters at all. they are designed for in and out force, not bending force.

Having tested the Cusco version of these bars did actually make a difference you can feel. The rear end was more solid and you can feel it over bumps.  I can see why the Toyota reinforced this area when they refreshed the car.   

 One thing to note is that you have to have the suspension loaded when tightening down the control arms. Some place  their cars on ramps or rice bags. I didn't do it and it didn't affect anything.  

The cheap Chinese version of these bars were crap probably because they had too much give from being anemic. 

Although the feel was good it was nothing compared to the Toms rear brace which is probably the best brace for this car period. I would even say its better than the mid brace.  It allows you to feel the rear end of the car as it moves as one unit while you are making sharp turns.   If you slip the rear end it very smooth especially when you put power down.

I look forward to that other brace being made which I dont think will yield much but you never know. Toms engineers  know what they are doing but at the same time they add too much weight. 

Posted by: @haloruler64

Posted by: @lordtakuban

I have the TRD rear braces on my car.  I don't remember removing any existing bars when I installed mine.  This was several years ago.  But I think I would have remembered that.  My car is a 2001.  So it's possible Toyota added stock bracing in later models like they did up front.  The TRD bars look like they are maybe a bit more substantial than that stock bar.  But, I don't know if there would be any real difference or not.

Yeah the early cars had no such braces. It's an 04 and up feature I believe. Also I doubt the rigidity of those bars matters at all. they are designed for in and out force, not bending force.

By in and out force do you mean force directed along the length of the rod?

Yeah that's what I mean. Comparing the stock black steel rod to a TRD rod, I'm 99.9% sure there's 0 difference in actual performance. 

Posted by: @haloruler64

Yeah that's what I mean. Comparing the stock black steel rod to a TRD rod, I'm 99.9% sure there's 0 difference in actual performance. 

I am quite certain that there is no difference as well. Since I have them, however, I will replace them since then I will be all TRD save for Phats brace on one car and Corkys on the other. Thanks for your help!

Oh definitely. I have some cheap aluminum bars and I STILL want the TRD parts. Because TRD. And I'm like that.

Looks like the stock brace on my 2005.