Hello,

I am going to be replacing the struts on my 2004 350z. I do not have an impact wrench, and I have seen a few posts recommending that I have one for such a task. Do I absolutely need an impact wrench for this, or will it just be a pain without one?

Thanks

 

A crow's foot wrench along with a combo wrench should do the trick.

 

You don't need one but it is recommend

 

Ok, thanks for the replies so far. Assuming I do spring for an impact wrench, is air powered the way to go, or are electrics worth consideration?

 

No air tools necessary at all, and IMO a very easy job to do without air tools, assuming you use PB blaster on the bolts and have some decently strong arms. Of course, air tools make suspension jobs go much quicker on account of the quicker ratcheting action. You need:

18" breaker bar (1/2" drive obviously)
6-pt sockets (1/2" drive, deep and shallow if possible - 6pt is key to avoid stripping the bolts while breaking them loose)
PB Blaster (don't skip this step, rap the areas you apply with a metal implement to help the solution penetrate)
Misc wrenches
Offset wrench (key for removing the shock top nut, loosen while still on car to break the nut, then take it the rest of the way off the car to remove the spring)

Take your time to ensure you don't strip bolts and exercise patience on the top nut and you'll be set.

 

No.

Consider how a impact wrench works. High torque for a shot period. Something you cannot do by hand. An example is a impact wrench on the top of the front shock. The guns bangs torque so fast that the shaft of the shock does not even get a change to turn.

Keep this in mind: you will be putting the old shock in the trash so don’t worry about damaging it with vice grips.

 

Well...do you have an air compressor tank at your dissposal? Hoses? And im not talking a pep-boys tank if you want to use the wrench for this entire process.

If you dont currently have an impact wrench, Im assuming you def dont have a tank, as an impact wrench, along with air ratchet and butterfly, is usually one of the first tools you get.

So to answer your question, go with electric but be super careful of over torqueing every bolt/nut you touch. Also i would recommend you use high tolerance sockets (Usually sockets are black in these sets) with an impact wrench, but of course you dont HAVE to.

Personally, i would use hand tools for this job, but air/electric will make it quicker/easier.

 

Leverage is your best friend. If you don't have an impact, just use a breaker. Or a hammer