rear suspension??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: KY
rear suspension??
I am going to start on my rear suspension this weekend
Is there anything I should look out for
I am installing 360 lb,vbandp smart strut kit and rear sway bar
Will there be any surprises in any of this
thanks
Is there anything I should look out for
I am installing 360 lb,vbandp smart strut kit and rear sway bar
Will there be any surprises in any of this
thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The most difficult part of the job can be removing the shock mounts. Some (Few) get them out easily and some (the rest of us) use every curse word combination we can think of getting them loose. There is a tool that an be purchased for knocking out the mounts but a pipe cap with the right thread size will work. The mount tends to rust inside the strut rod and sieze up, and many times it can't be removed without destroying the mount. Fortunately, new mounts are available for ~$45 each. Good luck and let us know how things go.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: eaton rapids mi
I used a 3lb mini sledge and wailed on them, they would not budge ( i even took a few swings with an 8lb sledge). I ended up using a flat screwdrive as a wedge to get just enough room in there for a hacksaw blade and cut off both sides of bolt.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville , NC
Just finished what you are about to do. My recommendation is to spray all bolts with PB Blaster now to help with removal this weekend. Take a good look at the smart struts and the offset of the ends to make sure that you install them correctly and jack up the trailing arms when installing them for ease. Others are spot on on the shock mounts, I ended up cutting mine off and installing new ones. Ge tthe longer end bolts for ride height adjustment. Good luck with your project.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
If the shock mounts stick, get the flame wrench out, burn through the rubber bushing, and get the inner bushing sleeve glowing red hot. The shock mount will slide out with a few hits then.
A 1/2 NPT pipe cap is much cheaper than the shock mount removal tool. (I think it's a 1/2 NPT cap that fits...)
A 1/2 NPT pipe cap is much cheaper than the shock mount removal tool. (I think it's a 1/2 NPT cap that fits...)
