lowering springs

[PT_Sean]

I had the alignment done after the GL were installed, at least I was charged for one (just the front, NOT a 4 wheel one).

Talked to the mech, AND to the guy at Goldline- both mentioned kits was optional, the mechanic said no probs with OEM hardware....

Dan has a point though.

[PT_Hot_Rod]

PT_Sean (03 Jan, 2002 12:18 p.m.):
I had the alignment done after the GL were installed, at least I was charged for one (just the front, NOT a 4 wheel one).

Talked to the mech, AND to the guy at Goldline- both mentioned kits was optional, the mechanic said no probs with OEM hardware....

Dan has a point though.

Dan does have a point. However, if you do replace the bolts then you have (or it would be very wise) to go ahead and get the alignment. If you wait on replacing the bolts then you can wait on buying the bolts. Plus you don't want to do anything right away to begin with. The springs need a few weeks to seat properly.

My .02. worth

[moorecruizin]

PT_Hot_Rod (03 Jan, 2002 11:43 a.m.):

that is it. if you need the alignment then you will need the bolts. Otherwise, NOPE, no need for them.

I installed the front springs today. what I didn't expect to encounter was not being able to take off the strut nut without a special tool. Went up to my local parts store to get the tool and they didn't have it, but could order it and it would be there later in the day at a cost of around $50. After weighing the pros and cons, decided to go on over to Big'O' tires and just let them install the new springs on the struts for less money. didn't install the cam bolts and the car drives straight-yeah! Strange torque spec. from the service manual for the strut to knuckle bolts--never seen it before--it said to torque to 40 ft-lbs (+90 degree additional turn).

[PT_Hot_Rod]

moorecruizin (05 Jan, 2002 11:34 p.m.):
I installed the front springs today. what I didn't expect to encounter was not being able to take off the strut nut without a special tool. Went up to my local parts store to get the tool and they didn't have it, but could order it and it would be there later in the day at a cost of around $50. After weighing the pros and cons, decided to go on over to Big'O' tires and just let them install the new springs on the struts for less money. didn't install the cam bolts and the car drives straight-yeah! Strange torque spec. from the service manual for the strut to knuckle bolts--never seen it before--it said to torque to 40 ft-lbs (+90 degree additional turn).

Should have asked us. I could not take it off either (at first) easy way to do it. while strut is bolted in. Loosen bolt about 1 turn or so. then remove strut and compress springs. you can then take off nut. It made life real easy. Glad you got them on anyways though. Do you like?

[moorecruizin]

PT_Hot_Rod (06 Jan, 2002 01:02 a.m.):

Should have asked us. I could not take it off either (at first) easy way to do it. while strut is bolted in. Loosen bolt about 1 turn or so. then remove strut and compress springs. you can then take off nut. It made life real easy. Glad you got them on anyways though. Do you like?

My wife hated that it lost the rake look when the lowering springs were installed; plus it did ride harsher, so we compromised. I put the OEM springs back on the rear (only took me an hour to do it this time), and I left the lowering springs on the front. There is peace and harmony in the household now. looks like I'll be putting the rear lowering springs up for sale.

BTW, when you loosened the strut nut while the strut was still in the car, did you still need to secure the shaft end while loosening the nut one turn? It seems like you would still have to have some sort of special tool to keep the shaft end stationary while the nut is loosened or tightened, whether the strut was in the car or not?

[PT_Hot_Rod]

moorecruizin (06 Jan, 2002 10:44 p.m.):
BTW, when you loosened the strut nut while the strut was still in the car, did you still need to secure the shaft end while loosening the nut one turn? It seems like you would still have to have some sort of special tool to keep the shaft end stationary while the nut is loosened or tightened, whether the strut was in the car or not?

Yeah I just put a center punch in the hole just to keep it from spinning.