Changing front struts

[joesurfer]

Anyone know off hand if you need to remove one of both control arms in order to change the struts? Doesn't look like it but it's possible the struts may not come out after its unbolted.

[SMWS6TA]

Our cars do not have struts. They are a shock inside the spring design. Not a true strut.

You do not have to remove the control arms to remove the spring/shock combo. It's just the 3 bolts on the top and the 1 at the lower shock mount.


Be careful when compressing the spring.

[joesurfer]

yes thanks. I did see a thread on changing these out and the OP removed the upper (or disconnected from the ball joint). Interesting that its not a true strut but I was thinking of getting a whole setup from Strano so I dont have to mess with the springs. Don't know if he does that. It would be a purchase of new shocks and springs but not sure if I need parts from the existing so have to remove the springs in any case?

[SMWS6TA]

You transfer the collar (for lack of the correct term it's called) to the new shock.

[joesurfer]

So I'd need to take apart the shock/spring assembly in any case to get that? If that is the case, then I'll just get the shocks as the springs seem to be fine. I'm not looking to lower the car as the basic handling is fine for me. Besides the Y pipe and NY roads do not allow for that!

[SMWS6TA]

Here is a video on how to pull the spring and chock out. So many ppl call it a strut when it isn't.





Here is how to use the spring compressor tool.