Struts

[SLOWgod]

Anyone ever have issues installing struts on gen 3? I’ve never changed struts on these cars. But this is way too tough to install.

 

[SLOWgod]

Not sure why it didn’t upload but here is the pic new vs old

 

[gamefanatic]

Depends on what problem you are having...

They can be difficult if you don't have the spring compressed while installing. When I didn't do that once, I had to use a long breaker bar on the lower control arm and just barely got it down enough to get it in the pinch slot. Definitely will never do it that way again.

Then you need to make sure the pinch clamp is opened enough. Those are the two most common issues. Mounting to the frame typically is the easy part.

 

[SLOWgod]

Depends on what problem you are having...

They can be difficult if you don't have the spring compressed while installing. When I didn't do that once, I had to use a long breaker bar on the lower control arm and just barely got it down enough to get it in the pinch slot. Definitely will never do it that way again.

Then you need to make sure the pinch clamp is opened enough. Those are the two most common issues. Mounting to the frame typically is the easy part.

I can’t mount them to body. The strut hits the axle.

 

[gamefanatic]

There is supposed to be a height/alignment tab on the back side from the image where it sits on the pinch bolt. Is that in the same spot as the OEM?

 

[SLOWgod]

Depends on what problem you are having...

They can be difficult if you don't have the spring compressed while installing. When I didn't do that once, I had to use a long breaker bar on the lower control arm and just barely got it down enough to get it in the pinch slot. Definitely will never do it that way again.

Then you need to make sure the pinch clamp is opened enough. Those are the two most commo

There is supposed to be a height/alignment tab on the back side from the image where it sits on the pinch bolt. Is that in the same spot as the OEM?

I’m not sure. I got these struts from shosource kyb brand not sure if that helps

 

[SLOWgod]

I’m not sure. I got these struts from shosource kyb brand not sure if that helps. On the driver side the sway bar tab on the strut isn’t flat like the oem and passenger side.

 

[SLOWgod]

There is supposed to be a height/alignment tab on the back side from the image where it sits on the pinch bolt. Is that in the same spot as the tab is

There is supposed to be a height/alignment tab on the back side from the image where it sits on the pinch bolt. Is that in the same spot as the OEM?

yes tab is on the Same spot. To me it seems a little too tall and the sway bar tab is flipped the other way.

 

[gamefanatic]

Do you have a tool to compress the spring while installing?

 

[SLOWgod]

Do you have a tool to compress the spring while installing?

Shouldn’t have to use a compressed tool first time hearing this ?

 

[gamefanatic]

Shouldn’t have to use a compressed tool first time hearing this ?

Depending on the situation, you may need to compress the spring to get the bottom to come up enough to sit at the original height and away from the axel. Once you have everything clamped down at the pinch side and bolts through the frame mount you can release the spring and then tighten down the top mounting bolts.

 

[SLOWgod]

Depending on the situation, you may need to compress the spring to get the bottom to come up enough to sit at the original height and away from the axel. Once you have everything clamped down at the pinch side and bolts through the frame mount you can release the spring and then tighten down the top mounting bolts.

It’s possible but as it sits connected to the strut I can’t even put the lower ball joint int the arm. The arm pressed down as much as it can go it’s not enough. I think the strut won’t work or something is wrong.

Depending on the situation, you may need to compress the spring to get the bottom to come up enough to sit at the original height and away from the axel. Once you have everything clamped down at the pinch side and bolts through the frame mount you can release the spring and then tighten down the top mounting bolts.

This is how it sits currently I can’t even put the ball joint into the control arm it’s fully maxed out and now th arm is creaking and it’s new. I don’t think these struts fit. It way too difficult to get anything on.

 

[luigisho]

I used to finagle a jack with maybe a piece of 2x4 or something under the strut to get it high enough to get back into the mounting point. Probably safer to use ratchet straps or spring compressor to compress it. If it is really close push/pry down a little on the knuckle get a little wiggle room. All my GenI-III SHO fronts were a bit of a struggle during install.

 

[SLOWgod]

I used to finagle a jack with maybe a piece of 2x4 or something under the strut to get it high enough to get back into the mounting point. Probably safer to use ratchet straps or spring compressor to compress it. If it is really close push/pry down a little on the knuckle get a little wiggle room. All my GenI-III SHO fronts were a bit of a struggle during install.

I’m sure there is some fighting bc of the style but to me the aftermarket strut is too tall. Does that strut look right to you? New vs old ?

 

[gamefanatic]

I’m sure there is some fighting bc of the style but to me the aftermarket strut is too tall. Does that strut look right to you? New vs old ?

It looks right. The spring compression rate is the most important part. It needs to support a certain amount when the weight is fully on it.

Getting the spring compressed is the key to getting it into the bottom whole. There are a couple of ways to approach this, but I just compress the spring its self using a tool like this.

https://a.co/d/02AMCeP

You may need to apply a little downward compression on the lower arm with a long bar. I used a crowbar myself.

 

[SLOWgod]

Ok

It looks right. The spring compression rate is the most important part. It needs to support a certain amount when the weight is fully on it.

Getting the spring compressed is the key to getting it into the bottom whole. There are a couple of ways to approach this, but I just compress the spring its self using a tool like this.

https://a.co/d/02AMCeP

You may need to apply a little downward compression on the lower arm with a long bar. I used a crowbar myself.

Okay I will try it. This seems crazy to do all this lol. I do this everyday as my job my mind is blown lol these cars

 

[SLOWgod]

Ok

It looks right. The spring compression rate is the most important part. It needs to support a certain amount when the weight is fully on it.

Getting the spring compressed is the key to getting it into the bottom whole. There are a couple of ways to approach this, but I just compress the spring its self using a tool like this.

https://a.co/d/02AMCeP

You may need to apply a little downward compression on the lower arm with a long bar. I used a crowbar myself.

Okay I will try it. This seems crazy to do all this lol. I do this everyday as my job my mind is blown

It looks right. The spring compression rate is the most important part. It needs to support a certain amount when the weight is fully on it.

Getting the spring compressed is the key to getting it into the bottom whole. There are a couple of ways to approach this, but I just compress the spring its self using a tool like this.

https://a.co/d/02AMCeP

You may need to apply a little downward compression on the lower arm with a long bar. I used a crowbar myself.

the springs are from sho source struts too

 

[SLOWgod]

I used to finagle a jack with maybe a piece of 2x4 or something under the strut to get it high enough to get back into the mounting point. Probably safer to use ratchet straps or spring compressor to compress it. If it is really close push/pry down a little on the knuckle get a little wiggle room. All my GenI-III SHO fronts were a bit of a struggle during install.

I hope rears aren’t this bad lol

 

[luigisho]

Rears don't have axles and steering components. Those if you detach the the control arms and sway bar links can drop the knuckle to the ground if you need to.

 

[SLOWgod]

It’s a no go guys it’s too complicated for me anyways I tried to compress the spring it’s not moving enough