Tension Rod, also known as compression rod, strut rod, or caster/castor rod. Sometimes called a radius rod.
The tension rods keep the front wheels located fore/aft.
It is the lower bar in this photo:
Part Numbers
- 54470-H1000 Tension Rod R.H
- 54471-H1000 Tension Rod L.H
Bushes
- 54476-W5000* Tension rod bushing (2 per side) $2.73
- formerly 54476-H1001
- MCQUAY-NORRIS FA1320
- RAYBESTOS 5781039
- ACDELCO 45G25039 or 88913237 $4.70
Nissan Competition
Experimental Engineering Tension/Compression Rod Bearing Kit. This kit fits: All 510, 610, 710, B210, 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, S12 200SX, & Z31 300ZX thru 7/87. This kit includes all parts neccesary for one car, a 'U' shaped gauge for setting pre-load, and complete instructions.
The T/C Kit eliminates all rearward movement of the front wheels caused by bushing deflection. At the same time it reduces the amount of force required for the T/C rods to pivot during suspension travel by 75% vs. stock rubber and by up to 95% vs. polyurethane bushings. This is accomplished by replacing the forward bushings on the tension/compression rods (aka: strut rods) where they attach to the chassis with pivoting ball & socket joints. These joints completely eliminate all rearward deflection under driving, cornering, and braking loads. This insures that castor remains constant and toe changes under heavy braking and cornering loads are very nearly eliminated.