A couple questions before I install my new struts

[benjammin]

I never done struts before. Im goin with sensa-tracs and eibachs. So far Ive got new struts, new monroe strut mount kits, springs, outer tie rod ends, and strut rod bushing kits for the front and rear. What else am I going to absolutely need?...new struts didnt come with boots, can I use the old ones if they are in good shape?...and what are coil spring insulators and will I need them? Also, if I cut a coil off both front and rear, will they alow me enough room for 17x7 wheels w/ 225 55 tires?

 

[K-Dawg]

You can use the old boots and bumpstops if they are in good shape.

The insulators are pieces of rubber that wrap around the coil spring and insulate them from the spring perch. You can use garden hose is the original ones are shot.

225/55/17 tires are too big. 225/50/17 is what you want.

 

[benjammin]

Thanks for the input k-dawg.

 

[VortecGT]

I would get new sway bar endlinks for both sides in the front, they will almost always spin when you try to take them off.

 

[benjammin]

VORTEC....Did all go well with your new strut/spring install?

 

[38SHO]

I would get new sway bar endlinks for both sides in the front, they will almost always spin when you try to take them off.

and how is that a bad thing? they move normally....

its just a ball in a socket in there

I also don't understand why you are replacing the outer tie rods also unless they are worn out... or unless you just like to spend money

also the same with the tension rod bushings..... if your gonna go through all this work make sure the mount for the tension rod bushings is still in tact on the subframe and not moving around......

because you don't normally have to remove the tension rod(strut rod whatever u wanna call it) to remove the front strut assembly.... you just pop the lower ball joint out of the knuckle and thats all you do for down there.


you will probably need an alignment after all this work, if your replace the out tie rods, defintely get an alignment

 

[benjammin]

well as far as the strut rod bushings go, the P.O. got battery acid all over the passenger side strut rod and it ate the bushings pretty good. My buddy is gonna weld them at the frame also. If Im doing one side might as well do the other right? and doing the rear wont hurt either. I dont consider putting new parts on it a waste of money since everything is original...I plan on keeping this car for a long time. I want everything to be new.

 

[VortecGT]

VORTEC....Did all go well with your new strut/spring install?

yes, thanks for the concern, I had some problems getting the spring in the perch the right way, I love the new stance with one coil cut and the ride is a night and day difference!

 

[VortecGT]

38SHO when they spin they will most likely tear the boot, also if you get new ones they have zerk fittings on them and the older ones dont.

 

[benjammin]

Am I gonna need new upper spring seats?...The monroe mounting kits dont come with them.

 

[hawkeye18]

You will more than likely be able to reuse the old ones.

make sure you don't try to remove the top nut on the strut while there is tension on the spring. I did that once... almost snapped my arm in two!

 

[benjammin]

thanks hawkeye.

 

[shobote]

You will more than likely be able to reuse the old ones.

make sure you don't try to remove the top nut on the strut while there is tension on the spring. I did that once... almost snapped my arm in two!

Have heard of a guy who did lose an arm doing that. scary... I just break that top nut loose slightly while the strut is still on the car but do not uncsdew it at all other than that, as it is a PITA to get it loose with the strut removed.

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

hey, i've had the same set up in my car almost six months, if I were you i wouldn't cut the coils just yet. the car will definitely settle.