Suspension tips and tricks?

[AKghandi]

92 mtx

I am about to replace all the strut rod bushings, all 4 struts and the rear sway links, and I was hoping someone had some tips to make the job easier on me.

I bought all 4 monroe quick struts. energy poly strut rod bushings front and rear. and moog problem solver rear sway links.

does anyone know the torque specs for the radius arm/strut rod bushings?

 

[shoray]

An impact driver is amazingly helpful if you don't have air tools. The first rear side took most of a day. The second with an impact driver took a few hours. After removing the pinch bolt pry the joint apart a little and a pretty big ass hammer will help you coax the assembly out of the knuckle. Do not remove the top mounting nuts before you do this.Some people can get to the mounting nuts through the trunk. I had to remove the rear shelf from the back seat and loosen or bend the seat belt spool mount.When you go to put the strut mount in I needed a helper to hold it up. You can also use a jack. A strap wrench and a pair of pliers will help when you tighten down the large bolt on top otherwise it will spin. I always had to loosen it a little to align the strut assembly. This forum was my friend as I beat my knuckles to death. Liquid wrench is your friend. My car handles like a racecar now by comparison though and I still have the front to do. Good luck and be patient.

 

[shoray]

If you intend on keeping the car adjustable end links are kind of weird to set up the first time but are worth every penny IMHO.

 

[shoray]

Strut rods can be changed by removing the knuckle. I just pried them in and out. I think I did remove one of the control arms or both to make the knuckle swing a little easier though.

 

[luigisho]

I agree with an electric impact driver/wrench. I bought a cheap electric plug in one from harbor freight years ago and it's been a great addition-- especially with suspension components. It's no where near as good as a pneumatic gun and compressor but it really helps.

 

[NCSHOracer]

Spray the crap out of the knuckle bolts and give it plenty of time to penetrate. Then when you brake it loose, turn it back and forth while you back it out the whole time until it is really good and loose and all corrosion is gone.

 

[AKghandi]

Thanks for the info guys. especially the part about loosening the rear strut to to align it.

sadly i have no impact. happily this car is nearly 100% rust free

I cant wait to get all this done. im tired of the clunks and creaks and bouncy front end and the saggy ass

 

[AKghandi]

Well I got the front all done today. man what a difference!

Anyways, now that Ive done it I have a few tricks to add.

remove both nuts from the radius rod, and the ball joint from the knuckle, then remove the control arm bolt and remove the radius rod and the control arm together. it will not come any other way.

also, the factory radius arm bushing at the control arm is a single piece and theres a ridge in the middle. use a knife and you can cut one side out, the other side should pretty much fall out.

to my surprise the Quick struts are quite a bit heavier than the stock units, and they have progressive coils. which is really nice if I decide I need it lower I can cut a few dead coils.

I also read that the Quick struts lifted the front. Well I can assure you it doesn't.

Heres a before and after.



they are nearly identical if anything slightly lower.. the new springs will also settle a bit. my rear tires are 60s and my fronts are 55s so it looks a little weird.. it was a cheap attempt at leveling it.


Another strange thing, my frame side radius bushings were Clevite. and very interesting ones at that. the red part was hard like plastic and the other part was normal poly. strange.

 

[AKghandi]

Its all done. the rear went really smoothly. no real hiccups.

the rear strut top bolts can be gotten with a ratching wrench pretty easily.

anyways, heres how she sits now


Worlds of difference.

now its time for a bath. lol

 

[AKghandi]

 

[luigisho]

Alot of the aftermarket bushings were like those pictured above.

 

[pjtoledo]

those are factory bushings.

 

[AKghandi]

Thought I would post the car after a bath..

 

[Toolman]

Thank you! All the dirty car pics were depressing!

 

[rubydist]

your pics would seem to confirm my experience that the quick struts raise the front 1/2" to 1" and the rear 1" to 2" (depending on how saggy the old rear springs were)

 

[shoray]

And B&G's hold it right above super saggy spring height.

 

[AKghandi]

your pics would seem to confirm my experience that the quick struts raise the front 1/2" to 1" and the rear 1" to 2" (depending on how saggy the old rear springs were)

She is definitely sitting tall, but here in Alaska thats not such a bad thing