Front and rear shocks/struts

[Hkp7]

Yesterday I replaced my rears and ive never ran into that much work replacing shocks. But what a difference, the left rear did not work at all. The right seemed ok but still not like the new one. Started the right front, new shock in but job not completed till later. Is there an easier way to do the fronts. I disconnected the lower ball joint, jacked up the spindle pryed down the lower control arm and wormed out the assembly. The spring compressors I used just barely compress the spring enough to get the nut back on. What a pain, plus its 90 degrees and humid. I am hoping to get the left front on before firestone closes to get it lined up. Now I can see why there is two hours labor called for each shock.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by Hkp7

Yesterday I replaced my rears and ive never ran into that much work replacing shocks. But what a difference, the left rear did not work at all. The right seemed ok but still not like the new one. Started the right front, new shock in but job not completed till later. Is there an easier way to do the fronts. I disconnected the lower ball joint, jacked up the spindle pryed down the lower control arm and wormed out the assembly. The spring compressors I used just barely compress the spring enough to get the nut back on. What a pain, plus its 90 degrees and humid. I am hoping to get the left front on before firestone closes to get it lined up. Now I can see why there is two hours labor called for each shock.

Yup, this is my nightmare too. Everyone is saying the 2 nuts on the inside of the engine bay will drop the lower control arm (?), but there no leverage and mine seemed as if they are seriously stuck, welded, whatever.

I did what you did and looks like I will have to revisit that again too very soon. As the Eibach Springs lower the font way too low and my front stock Boges are non-adjustable. I'm still not happy that I was not told that this was going to happen.

[Mrmerlin]

just get a set of adjustable front shocks with the correct perches and the adjuster collars then you should be good to go. If your making modifications over stock then its a wise idea to ask a question on the board and see if there are any gotchas to be aware of, sorry about the spring issue

[Hkp7]

Just removed the last shock in the front, taking a break. took about a half hour and some struggling to get the assembly out. I looked at the nuts for the upper a arm and just shook my head. A lift would be beautiful. Maybe one day.

[Hkp7]

Not sure that I even want to admit this but I installed the adjuster on the passenger side upside down, so I guess its time to take it apart again.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by Hkp7

Not sure that I even want to admit this but I installed the adjuster on the passenger side upside down, so I guess its time to take it apart again.

[1984928]

Probably the first of many mistakes working on the car but thats how you learn. Don't sweat it and enjoy the experience

[SolReaver]

Yea...No worries mate. as long as you catch it and do the job right you can call it good experience. Struts are not easy, take your time. It takes a LOT longer than most people realize. I have a few setbacks every once in a while myself and so does anyone who is crazy enough to actually work on these things.

Some jobs seem to take forever...But, you will be rolling along soon enough. Keep up the good work buddy.

[Hkp7]

Well, just finished. I think its getting easier after changing a shock 9 times. The first set I replaced with used. Gotta drive this thing tomorrow to get it to settle. Alignment schedualed for ten.
sits high. thanks for the encouraging words.