different shock/strut shafts??
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
different shock/strut shafts??
I'm getting ready to punch out my shock/strut mounts to replace the strut arm bushings. I looked at the air hammer tools and noticed there are two different sizes. One is for a .401 shaft, and the other a .498 shaft. I didn't realize there are two different size mounts? Can someone add info on this? I'm going to use a hammer and punch to get them out as the air hammer tools are too pricey. I've read this could be a job that ends my sanity, but it's got to be done.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 200
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From: Whitmore Lake MI
shock mount tool & sizes
I'm getting ready to punch out my shock/strut mounts to replace the strut arm bushings. I looked at the air hammer tools and noticed there are two different sizes. One is for a .401 shaft, and the other a .498 shaft. I didn't realize there are two different size mounts? Can someone add info on this? I'm going to use a hammer and punch to get them out as the air hammer tools are too pricey. I've read this could be a job that ends my sanity, but it's got to be done.
Just my .02, but I just punched my shock mounts out 2 days ago. The tool I used was a 3/8" (NPT) galvanized pipe cap and a 3 lb sledge. First one came out in less than a minute. Second one came out in about 3 minutes. tool cost $1.59 at the local hardware store. Yours may not be the same size depending on the year. My 78 was very rusted. Nobody been there in years... I did soak them in PB blaster once a day for 3 or 4 days before.
The energy suspension bushings I purchased came with 2 different size strut rod bushing sets. I think The 78 was the smaller of the 2. Unfortunately, I don't recall the sizes on the spec sheet that came with my kit 1 1/2 on earlier and 1 3/8 on later comes to mind, but don't quote me on it. I can verify that there were 2 different size shock mounts depending on the year of the car. They changed the size sometime in the mid to late 70's.
Good luck.
Jeff
Just wanted to let you know that I checked out those sizes and years... I was partially incorrect.
Up through 74 was 1 1/2". 75 and after was 1 3/4" not 1 3/8".. so the 78 was actually the larger of the two not the smaller.. Sorry for any confusion.
Good Luck on the Project and post some pics if you get a chance..
Last edited by jgrigg; Jan 5, 2007 at 08:29 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Whitmore Lake MI
Some pics of my Strut Rods
Not trying to Hijack your thread, but I thought you might like to see some before, during and after pics of my strut rods..
Let me know what you think..
Before I started this one:
One Bushing Removed:
Both Bushings Removed:
You can see from my pics that I used my trusty Drill and a 1/8" bit to drill them out.
Treated with Por15:
Primed with Self Etching Primer:
Painted with Rustoleum Aluminum:
Strut rods complete with Bushings:
Some Before and After side by side comparisons. Like Night and Day!
Good Luck with yours and I hope yours turn out as good as mine did!
Jeff
Let me know what you think..
Before I started this one:
One Bushing Removed:
Both Bushings Removed:
You can see from my pics that I used my trusty Drill and a 1/8" bit to drill them out.
Treated with Por15:
Primed with Self Etching Primer:
Painted with Rustoleum Aluminum:
Strut rods complete with Bushings:
Some Before and After side by side comparisons. Like Night and Day!
Good Luck with yours and I hope yours turn out as good as mine did!
Jeff
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 230
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From: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
Well I'm getting there, sure want to thank Jeff for his help. Good to have someone else doing the same thing at the same time. Here's some pics. Jeff the threads were actual wiped clean on the opposing side on the mount to the flat guide. I think someone before reinstalled it before with the suspension hanging using a hammer and wiped the threads. I let the spring go so when I reinstall the trailing arms can be lifted up and the mount should go in clean. Your struts look great Jeff!!
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Your struts look great Jeff!![IMG]
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Last edited by 72350auto; Jan 6, 2007 at 03:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
and yet another dumb question
With the new poly bushings, do I still use the bushing caps when I reinstall the struts. I think I still should but without instructions.....??
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