Strut rod install tips
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: wellington N Zealand
Strut rod install tips
Have powdercoated the strut rods and strut rod bracket, new poly bushings in and about to refit.:smash:
Any tips or tricks from those members who have reinstalled.
Bubba welded the adjusting washers in place which was fun for me. !!:D:
:cool: :cool: :cool:
Any tips or tricks from those members who have reinstalled.
Bubba welded the adjusting washers in place which was fun for me. !!:D:
:cool: :cool: :cool:
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Cumberland RI
Re: Strut rod install tips (tippi58)
I'm installing a set of smart struts and found it much easier if I jacked up the trailing arm so that the drive axle was about parallel to the ground (jack up the car first, obviously, and support securely on stationary jack stands).
Then I gently wedged something under the trailing arm at the pivot point where it enters the frame (a wrench socket or piece of wood works well) and removed the jack so I could use the creeper to get under there. I also was replacing my shock mounts so I coated the shock mount and the sides of the strut bushing with a little lithium grease.
Then proceeded to wiggle things in place, swear a little, grunt a little and persuade a little with a LFH (little F*%@in' Hammer)...acutally I used a hard plastic mallet but it's more fun to say LFH. Now taking out the original, rusted shock mount/strut ...that required a BFH ! Good Luck. :D
Then I gently wedged something under the trailing arm at the pivot point where it enters the frame (a wrench socket or piece of wood works well) and removed the jack so I could use the creeper to get under there. I also was replacing my shock mounts so I coated the shock mount and the sides of the strut bushing with a little lithium grease.
Then proceeded to wiggle things in place, swear a little, grunt a little and persuade a little with a LFH (little F*%@in' Hammer)...acutally I used a hard plastic mallet but it's more fun to say LFH. Now taking out the original, rusted shock mount/strut ...that required a BFH ! Good Luck. :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Strut rod install tips (vett70)
It sounds like you're installing the stock rods. If the washers are now free,
then install should be fairly easy - as there is some 'slop' in the adjuster.
I replaced with VBP adj struts, and they were tough to twist and wedge into
place. Then you need that LFH to get the bolts in.
I also bought my BFH for those same shock mounts. That was not a happy job. :mad
Oh yeah - I heard that some manufacturers suggest coating the poly bushings
with some kind of compatible grease, so they won't squeak. Polygraphite is
Ok without it - I think.
[Modified by Daves_rusty_75, 11:58 PM 11/25/2002]
then install should be fairly easy - as there is some 'slop' in the adjuster.
I replaced with VBP adj struts, and they were tough to twist and wedge into
place. Then you need that LFH to get the bolts in.
I also bought my BFH for those same shock mounts. That was not a happy job. :mad
Oh yeah - I heard that some manufacturers suggest coating the poly bushings
with some kind of compatible grease, so they won't squeak. Polygraphite is
Ok without it - I think.
[Modified by Daves_rusty_75, 11:58 PM 11/25/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: Strut rod install tips (tippi58)
Install all new camber bolts, and grease up everything, especially the shock mount before re-installing it. Not a ton of grease... just a light coat to help in keeping the rust away!!! A good synthetic grease works for years. Good Luck
Eddie
Eddie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: Strut rod install tips (tippi58)
Start squirting the lower shock bolts a week before the intended swap.Get a torch,a shock bolt removing tool,and a BIG hammer,and a sixer of your favorite brew. You may not need the torch,but you will definately need the brew. :smash: :smash: :smash:
You may want to order new shock bolts just in case. I smashed the bajesus out of mine and that was using the correct shock bolt removing tool and the torch.
You may want to order new shock bolts just in case. I smashed the bajesus out of mine and that was using the correct shock bolt removing tool and the torch.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: wellington N Zealand
Re: Strut rod install tips (tippi58)
Thanks Guys, great tip re jacking the trailing arms up, made it real easy.
Used molybedenium grease for the bushings and copper no sieze compound ... Slid in like a ... (u know what !!) :seeya
:cool: :cool: :cool:
Used molybedenium grease for the bushings and copper no sieze compound ... Slid in like a ... (u know what !!) :seeya
:cool: :cool: :cool:
