[Unknown User]

I need to replace my front struts, and would like some advice. Will it be safe to do by myself with one set of (2) spring compressors? that is, do I put one on either side of the spring prior to beginning work, take everything out, then reinstall, never disturbing the spring compressors?

Since this is a good time to install aftermarket springs/ struts, can anyone make suggestions for me? I am interested in good cornering performance - I want to improve on stock but only if I can do it for less or the same price (parts). Would you recommend I not do this myself (I have haynes, chiltons)?

Finally, any recommendations on swaybar kits? The ones I've seen seem expensive to me ($200 for front only - parts only).

Thanks,

Darryl
81 280zx

 

[Ron]

Re: Struts, spring compressors, &front end wor

> I need to replace my front struts, and would
> like some advice. Will it be safe to do by
> myself with one set of (2) spring
> compressors? that is, do I put one on either
> side of the spring prior to beginning work,
> take everything out, then reinstall, never
> disturbing the spring compressors?

> Since this is a good time to install
> aftermarket springs/ struts, can anyone make
> suggestions for me? I am interested in good
> cornering performance - I want to improve on
> stock but only if I can do it for less or
> the same price (parts). Would you recommend
> I not do this myself (I have haynes,
> chiltons)?

> Finally, any recommendations on swaybar
> kits? The ones I've seen seem expensive to
> me ($200 for front only - parts only).

> Thanks,

> Darryl
> 81 280zx
Darryl,
It all depends on a few things: your mechanic ability, tool supplies, place to
do the work and cash flow. It's not all that hard to do; but you could run into
a few snags when dismantaling a suspension.
Why not use the original sway bar and just tighten up the front end by replacing
to ureathane bushings. For a regular daily driver thats what I would do.

 

[Unknown User]

Re: Struts, spring compressors, &front end wor

I just did that about a month ago. Taking the strut housing off is pretty easy, just two bolts on bottom and three on top. You wont need the spring compressors until that is done. What I did is place the strut housing in a vice, be carefull if it falls on your foot it will hurt alot ( I did it). Then attach your compressor, tightening until you feel that the spring won't shoot across the shop. Then remove the big nut at top of the strut itself. Remove the spring guide at top of spring and the spring (dont remove the compressors). You might have some trouble getting old cart out, but with some dissolving fluid and a 3lb hammer it will come out eventually. Replace strut cart then put back together, I'm not sure of the torques but chiltons or haynes should help on that. Also, dont take the brake line loose if you dont have to, what I did is take the line off the strut housing and then tie the caliper and housing up so I wouldnt have to bleed the brakes when done.
> I need to replace my front struts, and would
> like some advice. Will it be safe to do by
> myself with one set of (2) spring
> compressors? that is, do I put one on either
> side of the spring prior to beginning work,
> take everything out, then reinstall, never
> disturbing the spring compressors?

> Since this is a good time to install
> aftermarket springs/ struts, can anyone make
> suggestions for me? I am interested in good
> cornering performance - I want to improve on
> stock but only if I can do it for less or
> the same price (parts). Would you recommend
> I not do this myself (I have haynes,
> chiltons)?

> Finally, any recommendations on swaybar
> kits? The ones I've seen seem expensive to
> me ($200 for front only - parts only).

> Thanks,

> Darryl
> 81 280zx

 

[gm]

Re: Struts, spring compressors, &front end wor

> Darryl,
> It all depends on a few things: your
> mechanic ability, tool supplies, place to
> do the work and cash flow. It's not all that
> hard to do; but you could run into
> a few snags when dismantaling a suspension.
> Why not use the original sway bar and just
> tighten up the front end by replacing
> to ureathane bushings. For a regular daily
> driver thats what I would do.

Darryl,
I did all 4 last spring on by 8s 280ZX and I don't remember any big problems (although things always seem easier after they are finished) I used KYB's from Motorsport. Getting the old Gland nut off was probably the hardest part, but a vise and large pipe wrench took care of that.
The Kyb's are probably a little stiffer then OEM, but not as stiff as others.