QUICK HELP please. lowering spring install

cb18201

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Oct 25, 2003

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Aug 5, 2004

#1

• Aug 5, 2004

• #1

im in the middle of doing my lowering spring and shock and strut install and i have everything apart but i cant get that big nut off the top of the strut in the front, how the hell do i get this off, i put the strut back into its mount so it would be easier to twist but when i put the ratchet on it the whole thing turns, i need to get that bolt off to use some of the hardware off the strut. does anyone know how to get it off? thanks

 

iluv95stangs

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Jul 17, 2004

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Walker, La

Aug 5, 2004

#2

• Aug 5, 2004

• #2

you need a air operated impact. That should get it off

 

cb18201

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Oct 25, 2003

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Aug 5, 2004

#3

• Aug 5, 2004

• #3

it seems like when i turn that nut it spins with the strut but everything is in place how it would be when its together.

 

94 3.8l stang

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Apr 20, 2004

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Bismarck, ND

Aug 5, 2004

#4

• Aug 5, 2004

• #4

yup, you should just get an air impact after it, that how i got that nut off, the ratcheting/jerking should break it loose, don't be afraid to use some WD40.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Aug 5, 2004

#5

• Aug 5, 2004

• #5

you can load the strut up - helps keep it from spinning the strut rod.

air tools are great, as said. if you have one of those 'fan belt' wrenches - you can take it apart and put it around the strut rod (that spins) - some have used vice grips. i held mine with a peice of rubber.
good luck.

 

cb18201

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Oct 25, 2003

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Aug 6, 2004

#6

• Aug 6, 2004

• #6

hmm, so to load the strut up i just turn that nut until it gets tighter?

 

S

slytherin

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Apr 5, 2004

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northeast ohio

Aug 6, 2004

#7

• Aug 6, 2004

• #7

Doesn't the top of the strut rod have a slot in it If I remember mine right I put a big straight blade screwdriver in that slot and broke that nut loose with an open end/box end wrench while holding the strut rod from spinning.

 

cb18201

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Oct 25, 2003

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Aug 6, 2004

#8

• Aug 6, 2004

• #8

ok well i did what u said and then i got that nut off with the screwdriver, now i got everthing on and back in place but i didnt tighten that nut down on the new one yet because i wanted to let the alignment guys do it when i bring it to get alligned when im done, will it mess anything up or hurt anything if i drive with this nut loose? i know my allignment is gonna be completly messed up but im only driving it right down the road, they have to tighten that nut to allign your car right?

 

AznStanger3v

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Aug 11, 2003

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Northern VA

Aug 6, 2004

#9

• Aug 6, 2004

• #9

are all you doing is lowering your car? i dont see why you are taking off the big nut that is on the strut. you only need to undo the 2 nuts and 1 bolt, sway bar, caliper, and abs sensor.

 

cb18201

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Oct 25, 2003

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Aug 6, 2004

#10

• Aug 6, 2004

• #10

i am doing new shocks an struts too and to get the hardware off the strut you need totake that nut off.

 

AznStanger3v

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Aug 11, 2003

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Northern VA

Aug 6, 2004

#11

• Aug 6, 2004

• #11

gotcha what i did was i took off the dust boot, put a towel around the metal shaft, used vice grips and stood on it while i zapped it with an electric impact. air is much better though

 

cb18201

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Oct 25, 2003

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Aug 6, 2004

#12

• Aug 6, 2004

• #12

im just wondering if i can drive it without that nut tightened, everything else is set except for that nut, ide rather leave it alone an let the allignment guys tighten it the right way.

 

1Slick5.0

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Jul 21, 2004

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Vermont

Aug 6, 2004

#13

• Aug 6, 2004

• #13

Did you happen to get an adjustable caster camber plate? There a must have when lowering your car. Helps with premature tire wear