I have read all the other threads about the x-braces and want to know what it the bottom line with them......is it worth spending my hard earned money on one? if so is the Rick's that much better than the spoon? Will I need an alignment after I install it?

-thanks

 

they pretty much funtion all the same - and no, you will not need an alignment

I have one from Muz and it's fine

 

All function about the same when it comes to adding rigidity to the structure. However, they DO NOT all function the same when it comes to living with them at oil change time. I am one of those people who bought a Spoon and then removed it from the car and sold it because I hated the design. The center brace was directly below the oil drain plug and whenever I changed my oil I had a stupid mess to deal with.

I love my Neuspeed brace. It does not complicate oil changes and the oval tubes reduce my ground clearance less.

 

Hey, I have that one too. Although mine is not that clean!

*Neuspeeds are a great deal. There is one in the For Sale Forum right now for $75. Go get it!

Hockey

 

New they sell for just under 190. Great price as long as they do the job. Anyone?

 

isn't ricks the best x-brace?

 

Best is subjective.

Most are concerned with just a few points:

1. Price
2. Oil change friendly
3. Price

Rick's is cool because it is made from a solid piece.....seems nice and strong, but $$
Muz's Whiteline brace is a cool design, but $$ and shipping are a factor
Neuspeed seems to be the least expensive and is still oil change friendly

So, for me the Neuspeed is the "best".
Just my exceedingly valuable $.02

 

As an engineer, I am convinced the Ricks design is the best - whether there is any real-world benefit to it over other x-braces, I am not prepared to say. But the mod was worth it to me.

I do not see the big deal about the oil changes, but it seems that what bothers one man is no biggie to another. I plan to use a funnel, or make something out of an old milk jug to divert the oil flow.

It might also be possible to install the Fumoto with an oil change nipple on it, using some PVC tubing to divert the oil away from the brace.

For my purposes, a slightly more complicated oil change vs. a cleaner engineering design was a worthwhile tradeoff. That is for you to decide.

 

Isn't Rick's xbrace oil-change friendly?

Thus, there would be no reason for the funnel, Fumoto and PVC tubing, correct?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Road Rage brace.