Factory Suspension Replacement

[lamerem]

Ok, ordered the ACDELCO factory replacement struts and shocks. Anyone every pulled their strut apart to put the coil spring on a new strut. Advice? Also ordered the MOOG problem solver front sway bar links with the good bushings. Figured since they are coming off for the struts might as well upgrade them.

 

[NathanJax]

I would definitely take it somewhere that has a machine/tool to compress the spring. It's not something easily done and could REALLY hurt you.

 

[t.stimpson]

I agree. Take them to a shop to have the shocks replaced on the struts. I tried it myself with some spring compressors, 2 on the outside and they couldnt compress it enough. Its just dangerous. The shop charged me $40 for both struts.

 

[Maguilera63]

Where did you buy them from?

 

[t.stimpson]

amazon has them. Others too.

 

[lamerem]

I ordered mine from RockAuto.com. I used the 5% off coupon in the vendor section. Ordered Tuesday, says out for deliver today.

 

[May-39]

I have not done this on this platform but have done a few on others including a few fwd autos.

You wont know until you compress spring if you have enough. I always have but some have been very close..just enough to get nut started full thread..Never had trouble with them slipping once tight. They will try to walk around spring till you tighten them though.
Harbor Freight sells a neat looking unit that is like an a arm kinda like < with a bolt that pulls the two ends together. Been wanting to try that. Next relative to hit me up for suspension is buying one.
If I had a shop nearby that did a good job for $25.00/side I would probably run it down. Nearest name brand store like that is 30 miles each way. If you lack a nice 3/8 or half inch breaker bar and/or air it could suck depending on bolt/nut condition.
Depending on your application you need to make sure you have a tool/bit to keep the top of strut/shock from spinning.
I would plan on cutting those sway bar end links and saving yourself some time/hassle...Torch blades in sawzall or nice cutoff wheels will really make those links quick..