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Shock and Spring Replacement - My Story (Long) Posted by nateh89spg [Email]  (#563) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from nateh89spg) on Sun, 2 Aug 2009 14:41:35
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Just finished up installing Konis and B&Gs in my 88 spg. Was forced to take a week vacation (split between 2 weeks), so I figured it was a perfect time for this. This is the first time performing either job, so I took it slow. Did the fronts first last weekend then attempted the rears w/o air, more on that later. Hopefully, someone can benefit from my experience. I've received much advice, tips etc from this site, so it is nice to be able to give back a little.
Bought the shock socket and the strut compressor (modified the unit per DougM' and others recs) from Harbor Freight.
Fronts: Pass side shock came out perfect as my intention was to save them to re-use on another project. I managed to mangle the "D" on the drivers side, due to the awkward position. I do not have any shorty wrenches, but could have used one here (top nut was 16mm - odd size as it turns out). Instead, I cut the plastic shock cover, ground a flat and clamped the shaft w/ vise grips. Using a deep well socket, pulled the top nuts off. So much for saving. Springs were easy once I got the hang of the compressor. The SPG springs did not need to compress much to come out. The biggest pain here was to find acceptable clamping locations on the new springs which would not allow any interference between the plastic wheel arches and the compressor - lots of trial and error. All and all, pretty easy job although the drivers side top shock location is a b!tch.
Rears: W/O Air (bad idea) I was able to get 1 lower shock nut off in 8 hours or cursing and sweat. Bought impact wrench and borrowed neighbors compressor - highly recommended. The lower shock bolts had seized to the metal sleeve in the bushing, so I could not remove the bolt. I lowered the antiroll bar first to allow access to the hole in an attempt to punch it out from the hole on the inboard side of the member - no go. Cut the shaft on one side, dremeled the top nut off and removed member and shock together. After cutting the bottom of the shock and bushing off, I alternated between PB Blaster and heat and removed the seized bushing. Was able to reuse the bolts (which seem to be difficult to source). Re installation was straight forward. If I had the parts, I would have relocated the axle, but I need to get the car on the road to allow for maintenance of the other cars. Side note - good time to really inspect rear shock locations for rot, mine are still solid
Car is now all torqued down and sitting on all fours. Going to let it "settle" and align it later this week (possible camber issues w/ lowering?).
Front B&Gs springs were about an inch lower than the SPG, rear free length were about 1/8 -1/4" shorter. Konis set on 1 click. Car looks lower in front, but there is a bit more gap than I had expected. The car has no A/C (previously removed)so maybe a little lighter. All in all I am pleased. Will post pics later this week after everything has been settled in.
Have a great night,
Nate
, Sun, 2 Aug 2009 14:41:35 <-- Viewing This Message, Wed, 5 Aug 2009 14:05:02, Thu, 6 Aug 2009 05:21:36, Wed, 5 Aug 2009 14:03:29, Tue, 4 Aug 2009 14:15:14
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