no strut tower brace

[RFMustangGT]

could driving without your strut tower brace for a long time, hurt the front end? I've been driving withoutone since last december and my front is so bad. it drifts to the right and is really loose. also when driving the steering wheel shakes like you have just pushed the brakes with warped rotors. is something really messed up here?

 

[95riosnake]

well cobras didn't even come with one. So I don't know if it's necessary to have one. I haven't heard of cobras having any extra bracing to make up for the lack of a STB either, so I would say the cornering under hard driving might be less tight, but I wouldn't think it would damage anything.

 

[Engel]

Theres a huge debate whether or not strut tower braces do anything in the first place, alot of people leave them off.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

I personally believe that anything you can do to stiffen things up is a benefit, but that doesnt mean it's harmful to drive without it.

RC

 

[RFMustangGT]

well cobras didn't even come with one. So I don't know if it's necessary to have one. I haven't heard of cobras having any extra bracing to make up for the lack of a STB either, so I would say the cornering under hard driving might be less tight, but I wouldn't think it would damage anything.

I thought cobra had something different in the K-member?

I guess my front is just shot then. grrr. if it's not one thing it's another. I need to sell my car cause the front suspension is going, I think the transmission is starting to slip, rear end is making funny sounds. damn, so much at the same time.

 

[95WhiteVenom]

Wont hurt to have that thing off. Really doesnt do a lot anyway unless autoX'ing. The wondering may be that you need a front end allignment. Unless something feels worse when breaking and your having to fight the wheel then it maybe the rotors.

 

[BlackVert]

i drove without one on mine for over a year and i did not know what i was missing. when i put mine on, it really cleaned up the ride, MUCH less wobbly, more sure footed, and it doesn't bottom out as much with the 2" drop springs i have. for me, there is no debate at all, the stb makes for a much better ride.

then again, i have a convertible.

check this thread

http://eleanor.pro3i.com/showthread.php?t=563841

your problem sounds like an alignment problem tho. at least that is what i am hoping! i have the same problem. are your tires wearing unevenly?

i tried to get an alignment, but the 2" drop made it impossible to get it right (i have stock c/c plates), which is why i an going to coil-overs. then i can adjust the ride height, get the alignment right, and fix the problem of scraping on speed bumps and such.

 

[95riosnake]

Wont hurt to have that thing off. Really doesnt do a lot anyway unless autoX'ing. The wondering may be that you need a front end allignment. Unless something feels worse when breaking and your having to fight the wheel then it maybe the rotors.

yea, front end alignment will make your car go all over the place if its not right.

 

[5.0_GT_kid]

I thought cobra had something different in the K-member?

I guess my front is just shot then. grrr. if it's not one thing it's another. I need to sell my car cause the front suspension is going, I think the transmission is starting to slip, rear end is making funny sounds. damn, so much at the same time.

Sounds like you need an alignment, no biggie.

Also, a transmission rebuild isn't that bad and neither should having the rear end rebuilt. Gotta remember these are 10-11 year old cars and they're gonna start having problems, just fix em before they get worse and more costly.

 

[GRGT1994]

Balance your tires too.

 

[tomustang]

Theres a huge debate whether or not strut tower braces do anything in the first place, alot of people leave them off.

Same as a K-member brace, you'll only notice it durring hard cornering.

RFMustangGT - It sounds like you have an alignment issue, or something is wrong with your braking.

 

[1slow95]

Balance your tires too.

That's what I was thinking. Your tires are probably out of balance, or need replaced. An alignment will also help.

My old '88 V-6 Cougar felt like the rear end was moving around when cornering. I thought the bushings were shot, but I put new tires on it and it felt like a new car.

 

[RFMustangGT]

they are brand neew tires so I'm not sure if I can see any wear patteren yet. I'm going to start calling today to find someone to fix it. I still think my tranny is starting to go as well cause today it was really have some issues grabbing into gear and driving down the road it feels like it misses.

 

[Indy Mike]

I read somewhere about a frame bushings causing a shake I get a shake from 45 to 55 and is not the tires going to replace bushings latter today. I think the strut tower brace was optional some have it some do not.

 

[mo_dingo]

My car drifts to the right, but it's in the caster, which is not adjustable w/o CC plates. So I am screwed until I get them.

Foxes don't even have a STB btw.

You might want to check out your shocks/springs/bushings and see if anything is screwy.
Scott