Many of you may not know me as I'm rarely on this forum and when I am I'm normally on the sonata or tiburon threads. I'm The STR on hyundai-forums.com/sportagedrives.com. What is a STR well its a special topic rep. my specialty is performance in both 2.0L and 2.7 Gas engines and its easy to see why based off my pics. enjoy and if you have any questions please email me at davpepiton@yahoo.com or send me a message on TD.com


This is a DIY to show case both the front and rear strut bars made by my new sponsor Ultra Racing.

first the front strut bar:

well today I got the ultra racing front strut bar from ultra racing and I must say this piece is beautiful much thicker then the stock piece yet still light weight. here is a quick how to on the install.

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2608.jpg)

tools needed: 14mm wrench, 14mm long socket, ratchet and one bottle of beer (not pictured).

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2612.jpg)

start by removing the two nuts with the 14mm wrench (a socket will not fit)

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2610.jpg)

after removing both sides and pulling the bar off clean the surface area to prevent rust and to clean that nasty engine bay.

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2611.jpg)

replace with the new strut bar and tighten down. use the wrench on the nut nearest the outside of the car and the socket on the other.


finished product:

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2614.jpg)

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2613.jpg)

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2615.jpg)

now the rear:


tools needed: 1 ratchet 1/2inch or 3/8ths 12mm socket and 1 1inch extension.

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2470.jpg)

product: ultra racing rear strut bar

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2462.jpg)


begain by removing the plastic covers over the rear struts and then removing these two nuts with the 12mm socket

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2467.jpg)

place the new strut bar in place and tighten down to 80 pounds of trq.

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2468.jpg)

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2471.jpg)

(IMG:http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/31bravo_1988/CIMG2473.jpg)

NOTE: plastic pieces are not reused but can be modified to fit.

where can you find these products?
http://www.ultraracing.com.my/

contact:
Mbarton@ultraracingusa.com


what are my impressions:

well after the install and testing on my sportage all I can say is WOW. the suspension really tightened up and the body is more of a solid movement then before... its night and day from stock.

-Dave

Special Thanks to Mike Barton at Ultra racing for sponsoring my car.

wow... you put performance sway bars on a Kia Sportage? doesnt the rear bar take away from the reason it is an SUV? (i.e. storage)

Yeah, for sure. If I put the rear strut tower brace in the wife's Tuscon, she'd have a comeapart! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hyper.gif)

I haven't had any issues with storage since I've installed it