Originally posted by agent87
Ouch, that sucks. Definitely get it repaired and use a reinforcment kit.
I'm with Sh*tBox, I think using any of the 20+mm rear bars with the OEM step brackets is just asking for tearout. (18mm and 19mm I still think are safe since I haven't seen anyone have problems with them yet but who knows, I could be in for a rude awakening.)
I don't know the details of your particular situation so I don't mean this to apply to you...
But I find it surprising that even with all the evidence that's built up over the years, that there are some people who don't get the reinforment kits. I can imagine the following reasons:
1. The person wants to run the swaybar now and knows that it could tear out but wants to have fun. They either can't afford or are too lazy to buy a $20 BSQ kit or a $60 Beaks kit (both relatively inexpensive when it comes to modifying cars). These people are playing with fire.
2. The person who just hasn't researched or gone on the internet so they have no idea that their bar can tear the subframe. That sucks for them and their friends who told them that they should mount the kit the hybrid way should have told them the complete truth.
3. The person who adamantly believes that they'll never experience tearout with their 20+mm bar and tell others to follow their example. I've seen it before. "I've been running with the OEM brackets for 2 years and I've never had a problem! Screw those kits." I can only think one thing... [NELSON]HA HA![/NELSON]
In any case, good luck.
Actually... a member by the name of CPL (ryan) on this board also tore out his subframe with a 19mm ST bar.