shock/strut install pics
- Thread starter rai_281
- Start date
03ghoststang
Well-Known Member
sorry no pics but for the front make sure you put a jack under the A-arm so that the spring dosen't shoot out when swapping the strut or it can cause serious injury. As for the rears they are real easy to do.
nyuk98gt
15 Year Member
rai_281:
You will not need the stock bump stop for the struts because Bilstein provides one. You won't need the stock dust cover for the struts because the new struts have a lovely blue accordian dust cover.
You will need PB Blaster (a high quality penetrating oil) and an impact wrench (electric will work OK) to get the lower strut bolts loose. "They are on there real good". You need to remove the brake caliper to get access to the lower strut bolts, too. Not a big deal but you need to be prepared.
The springs are held in pretty well unless you disconnect the tie-rod ends and the sway bar (but why would you do this?). Don't worry!
You have to remove the decorative lining in the trunk to expose the shock retaining nuts. Be careful because the trim is fiberglass and can break or crack. Don't force it, just work at getting it loose a little at a time.
Run a search here or at Corral.net for an installation article. I did this just a few months ago but I didn't think to take any pics (DOH!).
The Haynes manual ($20 at AutoZone, Borders, etc.) has pics and instructions. Worth the investment, imo.
HTH,
Chris
You will not need the stock bump stop for the struts because Bilstein provides one. You won't need the stock dust cover for the struts because the new struts have a lovely blue accordian dust cover.
You will need PB Blaster (a high quality penetrating oil) and an impact wrench (electric will work OK) to get the lower strut bolts loose. "They are on there real good". You need to remove the brake caliper to get access to the lower strut bolts, too. Not a big deal but you need to be prepared.
The springs are held in pretty well unless you disconnect the tie-rod ends and the sway bar (but why would you do this?). Don't worry!
You have to remove the decorative lining in the trunk to expose the shock retaining nuts. Be careful because the trim is fiberglass and can break or crack. Don't force it, just work at getting it loose a little at a time.
Run a search here or at Corral.net for an installation article. I did this just a few months ago but I didn't think to take any pics (DOH!).
The Haynes manual ($20 at AutoZone, Borders, etc.) has pics and instructions. Worth the investment, imo.
HTH,
Chris
Might aswell add "use an impact gun to remove/reinstall the top strut bolts, if you have one"nyuk98gt said:
I replaced mine without having to use an impact gun. It would have been much easier if I had one but it wasn't that bad. Just need some old fashion muscle. 
The stock struts have a groove for a flat head and the bilsteins have a hex slot for counter force.
The stock struts have a groove for a flat head and the bilsteins have a hex slot for counter force.
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