How To Replace Struts?

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

I was planning on having Tire Kingdom do my front struts, but man, I really want to lean how to do it myself. I've done it with everything else on this car, why stop now?

The only suspension work I've done is changing shocks on a 1989 F250.

I know where to rent a spring compressor from so I'm ready there, but other than that, I'm clueless.

Do I need new mounting hardware?

I'm installing Ingalls mounts, so anything tricky about that?

Any special tools?

Priest?


Any info is, as usual, GREATLY appreciated!:wave::thankyou:

 

[Art5]

Why renting tools if you can just buy them cheap? I bought one of my compression tool for $25.
Your struts and strut mounts should come with brand new nuts. I would replace bolt that holds strut in place down at the knuckle though.
But I would suggest that you change every bushing while you're there.
And don't use KYB struts with Intrax in the front.

 

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

Why renting tools if you can just buy them cheap? I bought one of my compression tool for $25.
Your struts and strut mounts should come with brand new nuts. I would replace bolt that holds strut in place down at the knuckle though.
But I would suggest that you change every bushing while you're there.
And don't use KYB struts with Intrax in the front.

Going with Sensa-Tracs this time around.

What bushings do I need?

 

[Art5]

Going with Sensa-Tracs this time around.

What bushings do I need?

strut rod bushings, sway bar bushings and links, I would check control arms, or just replace bushings at the subframe.
While you at strut rods, check front of the subframe where you mount rods, there are a lot of problems at that side.OH, and check you wheels bearings too.

I didn't do struts the first time on my car, because there are KOni and was hoping to replace them with the same brand. I replaced pretty much everything there, including brakes.

 

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

strut rod bushings, sway bar bushings and links, I would check control arms, or just replace bushings at the subframe.
While you at strut rods, check front of the subframe where you mount rods, there are a lot of problems at that side.OH, and check you wheels bearings too.

I didn't do struts the first time on my car, because there are KOni and was hoping to replace them with the same brand. I replaced pretty much everything there, including brakes.

Thanks!

I'll probably replace the brakes while I'm down there. They need it!

I've looked up some videos on youtube and it seems like a pretty straight forward job. Saves me $110!

 

[Art5]

Thanks!

I'll probably replace the brakes while I'm down there. They need it!

I've looked up some videos on youtube and it seems like a pretty straight forward job. Saves me $110!

Depending how old are your suspension parts, you may need some heat(bot not on struts) and maybe a hand to make it faster and easier.

 

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

I'm about to tackle the front struts and have a few questions.

1. Is there anything special I have to do when installing the Ingalls mounts?

2. Do I need to make note of the placement of anything so the alignment isn't WAY off. I need to drive 10 miles top get in aligned tomorrow.

3. On the mounts, I have what looks to be two metal spacers (one for each side) and 4 plastic bushings (2 for each side). Do I use everything that came with the kit?

Never done suspension before so this is all new to me!

Thanks!:wave:

 

[SHOtime2511]

The hardest part is poping the ball joint out of the knuckle.
I've had success using a long jack handle using leverage between the LCA and subframe.
Other than that,PB blaster and basic hand tools and a big ***** hammer will do the job.
Having a good impact will make things easier.

 

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

Can't get the new strut in.

I've tried everything and the ***** won't go. It's about 1/2 inch away from me being able to bolt it in.

After I get this one in, it's going to Tire Kingdom tomorrow.

Bump this shit..............


I couldn't even use the Ingalls mounts for shit sake!

 

[platoribs]

Best advice is take one apart and leave the other one alone to see how it goes together, if you have spacers to accomodate ingalls versus OE or whatever there should be some instructions otherwise look it all over carefully before you take it all apart, make some measurements if you unsure of something, put it together right the first time cause you don't want to get it all together and have it clunking cause you left something out ... or put something in you shouldn't have! :laugh_ti:

Second time apart everything is new so it should be easier...

 

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

Best advice is take one apart and leave the other one alone to see how it goes together, if you have spacers to accomodate ingalls versus OE or whatever there should be some instructions otherwise look it all over carefully before you take it all apart, make some measurements if you unsure of something, put it together right the first time cause you don't want to get it all together and have it clunking cause you left something out ... or put something in you shouldn't have! :laugh_ti:

Second time apart everything is new so it should be easier...

Appreciate it. After I get this side done, I don't care if it clunks. Tire Kingdom can fix it. I'm in a bad place right now with this car and I'm ready to ****** it..........

 

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

Well, it's finished. Both front sides.

The second side only took about an hour. Man, learning new shit on this car is a PAIN!

But the difference is awesome!!

 

[riden2low]

PATIENCE is the key

 

[VortecGT]

Have fun with the rears! They are about 100% harder with that pinch bolt! Start soaking it in pb blaster for about two weeks and it won't be so bad!

 

[SHO_ROLLER_2]

Have fun with the rears! They are about 100% harder with that pinch bolt! Start soaking it in pb blaster for about two weeks and it won't be so bad!

Oh, no, the rears are going to Tire Kingdom for sure.

It's worth the $100 to me if they're THAT hard!