I'm helping a friend install tein springs on his soft top and we're stuck getting the front struts off.

We disconnected the front sway end links, took off the bolt holding the base of the strut, then took of the washers holding the strut in the shock tower.

We pushed and pushed on control arm to try to get enough clearance for the shock to come out, but we still couldn't get the shock to clear the bottom control arm.

Not sure if I got all the terminology right, but hopefully you'll know what I'm talking about.

Is there a shock installation DIY on this forum? This will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!!

 

sorry for the dbl post

 

Remove cotter pin of upper link ball joint, and then remove the nut. This should give you a lot more room.

Also it might be good idea to loosen the nut which holds the shock in the pillow mount. It's damn hard to take it off once you take the shock out.

By the way, I had to use spring compressors to get enough clearence.

 

sy0296

Nuff is Correct..

During installation of Eric Hu's Koni's and Mine. The Method is to have car jacked up solid. Remove Cotter pin.. ( Replace with New if possible ) The ball joint pops right out.

If you don't have a spring compressor, a 180 lb body steping on the axle will drop the lower arms down enough to pop Strut and Spring assembly out.

The Other item Nuff recomended was to lossen the nut in the pillow mount before you remove the ball joint. Correct

The hard way is to remove the bolts that secure the Front upper A-Arm to the frame... You would have to work real hard to remove the strut assembly, and those inner A-arm bolts if not tight will clunk going out of driveways and backing up...

My 2 Cents..
Cheers Amy -

 

thanks, all done now! total install time 5hrs!!!! lol. Was real easy after I got the front shocks out though.

thanks for everyone's help!!!!!