Strano/Billstein install questions

**79Firebird_99TA** · 03-01-2012, 07:31 AM

I'm putting together a parts list for the job. As per Sam, he recommends just buying new strut mounts since my ta has 227k with the original shocks and the fronts are going to be fused to the mounts. If I could find the perches and the rubber I would buy them and not even fool with sawing off the shock shaft just so that I can get those pieces off the old shocks.

Any thoughts on buying those parts aftermarket? Any other parts I might need before I get into it?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 03-01-2012, 02:23 PM

That's what I did. Do yourself a favor and when you buy those parts get the mounts from from Monroe and same with the lower spring perch. Don't get them from Moog which is what I originally did because they didn't fit right. The rest of the parts from Moog were fine.

**79Firebird_99TA** · 03-02-2012, 06:41 AM

Thanks for the response. When you did yours, was there a problem with using the old parts - or you just didn't want to deal with the fused shock shaft to strut mount? If it's a simple swap as far as getting those old parts, I'll probably just break out the saws all.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 03-02-2012, 06:45 AM

Well mine were all jacked up so I needed new parts on one side so I figured I should do the other side as well. That and to me it doesn't make sense to put new shocks/springs on with old hardware.

**79Firebird_99TA** · 03-02-2012, 06:05 PM

Got my springs and shocks in today. On order is the LCA relocation brackets, lower shock mounts, strut tower brace. Gonna do the work next weekend. Gonna be a different car and I'm excited to say the least!!

**79Firebird_99TA** · 03-10-2012, 04:11 PM

Got the springs and shocks in today. I haven't driven her yet .... but I love the new stance!!

**Redrokit8** · 03-10-2012, 05:26 PM

Nice going JR. I just completed my install last week of SLP Tuned Bilsteins and Strano springs. You are going to love this setup. I also have the UMI LCA's, SFC's, Front & Rear Sway Bars Panhard Rod and Tunnel Brace.
It's an entirely different animal. You'll see for yourself.
Anyway, congratulations and the guys on this site can give you all the information you need. They sure made my install easier.
PS: Let us know your technique for removing the size 50 Torx's screw that is directly under your master cylinder. I took a Torx bit and shaved opposite sides of the bit shaft so a small wrench would fit. Then I slipped a long socket over the wrench for leverage and it worked like a charm. Yes, my nick name is Rube Goldberg.

**az gt eater** · 03-10-2012, 05:35 PM

No easy way on that torx head. But,you can put one of the other bolts in its place for next time.

**79Firebird_99TA** · 03-10-2012, 06:28 PM

Hey thanks Redrokit! The job was a breeze. As for the T-50 torx bolts, I took the master cylinder nuts off and pulled the mc off of fhe studs and was able to swing it up and over the cowl. There's enough flexibility in those lines as well as the propotioning valve (I guess thats what those mc brake lines go to.)

Also I ran into the dredded shock shaft and nut fused to the shock mount. Basically I had replacement mounts as I expected to not be able to reuse them . I was wrong. After compressing the spring, I was able to cut the shaft with a saws all and it separated. Interestingly after pulling the shock mount off, I tapped on the nut back and forth and was able to pull the shaft/nut right right out of the shock mount.

LCA relocation brackets go in Monday. The whole job took me 6 hours. I also did the strano bump stops and strut tower brace.

**Redrokit8** · 03-11-2012, 05:20 PM

Good Man !
This was the first time I had tackled this type of work. It was a lot easier to do than I originally thought. You know, you look under the car and it's a bit overwhelming at first. In my case the key was having the proper tools up front, thanks to this forum and the members who chimed in.
Also mine has only 11,000 miles and never stored outside. Piece of cake with no rusted parts.
Biggest problem I encountered was installing the UMI front Sway Bar. It's a heavy bar and for one person working alone it can be a real bear to handle, especially if you have some bushing and end link grease on your hands.
Give us a shout when you get the relocation brackets in.

**79Firebird_99TA** · 03-12-2012, 02:37 PM

LCA relocation brackets are in!! Nothing to it. Hardest part was getting the holes to line up mount the bracket to the axle. I drove the car yesterday - and after the install I took it for a drive and I will say that there is quite a difference in the ride... it really tightens up the rear and the traction is great!!