Front Strut Bar

[Brazilgoal]

I'm getting a 1989 Olds 88 next month. Lookng for a front strut bar. Seems to me that the 1992-99 have a factory strut bar installed. Has anyone transplated one of these later strut bars on an '89-'91 Olds 88? I plan on getting one from a junk yard.

 

[thejmfc]

Yes! The '92-'99 bar is a direct bolt up to your car. The hood clearance is tight, but it works. I've done this on my Bonneville (sister car to the 88), and it made a huge difference in how the car feels. Much more solid over bumps.

One issue that you may have is clearance over your brake fluid fill cap. Mine is tight, but I can still get it off. Worst case, you have to remove one side of the bar to access your brake fluid. Still worth it in my opinion.

A couple of things to remember when you do this: When you take the two nuts off, be careful not to move or jolt the car at all. You don't want to move anything until it's all tight again. Also, under the two nuts is one metal link spanning the two studs. Remove it. The STB will take it's place. Also additionally, don't over torque them. I'll see if I can find the torque specs for you...

Anyway, DO IT! You won't believe how much better the car will feel.

 

[thejmfc]

I read that the number is 18 ft/lbs. I know, it seems really low, but I guess it works.

 

[Brazilgoal]

Thanks for the info. What other GM cars are kin to the Olds 88 that I can get parts from?

 

[thejmfc]

Thanks for the info. What other GM cars are kin to the Olds 88 that I can get parts from?

I already answered that question in some detail in your other post, but for the purpose of getting yourself a bar, you'll want to look for any '92-99 Pontiac Bonneville, Buick Lesabre or Park Avenue, or Olds 88 or 98. If you're familiar with what your car looks like under the hood, these cars will look very similiar to you. It will be quite obvious that you're in the right place. Let us know how that works out for you.