Strut Installation

Lawless · 01-18-2002, 10:29 PM

Last summer I installed a Hotchkis Caster/Camber set. (The car has Eibach Drag Launch Springs and KYB Srtuts) I had to get my friend (who is 240 pounds) to jounce on the rad support to get the spring compressed enough so I could start the top nut on the strut. (I had the floor jack under the lower control arm and the jack stand removed)

Didn't seem right that I had to do that. It would seem that the strut would be extended all the time. The ride height is normal and it appears to drive alright. I am having a traction problem as stated on a previous posting, I wonder if this is contibuting to the problem (not lifting in the front). I just ordered Competition 90/10 Struts, 50/50 rears and Southside Machine Upper and Lower Controls arms for the rear.

Now for the question ? Is this normal ? Has anyone changed struts before ? If something is not right I would like to fix it while I am installing the new struts. This is my first Ford Mustang (of any year) so I am still learning the car.

Thanks in advance.

Jay

Lawless · 01-20-2002, 05:15 AM

Nobody's changed struts ?

Chevyguy · 01-21-2002, 10:26 AM

Hmm I changed out my 100K mile original struts for a pair of Gabriels, and I had to fight them to stay down enough so I could bolt them back on the spindle due to those damm spacers you get with the aftermarket struts. I had no problems putting the top bolts on, but I did re-use the stock upper mounts they were fine.

My car was on a lift, and I had the car supported from the front suspension, thus compressing the front springs. If you had the front hanging down, this would be a problem, and it would swing down abruptly and release the spring on your head. I have stock springs so maybe they compress easier?? Was you car ever hit?? that could make the strut tower mounts perhaps off??

01-18-2002, 10:29 PM	#1
Lawless Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada Posts: 24	Strut Installation Last summer I installed a Hotchkis Caster/Camber set. (The car has Eibach Drag Launch Springs and KYB Srtuts) I had to get my friend (who is 240 pounds) to jounce on the rad support to get the spring compressed enough so I could start the top nut on the strut. (I had the floor jack under the lower control arm and the jack stand removed) Didn't seem right that I had to do that. It would seem that the strut would be extended all the time. The ride height is normal and it appears to drive alright. I am having a traction problem as stated on a previous posting, I wonder if this is contibuting to the problem (not lifting in the front). I just ordered Competition 90/10 Struts, 50/50 rears and Southside Machine Upper and Lower Controls arms for the rear. Now for the question ? Is this normal ? Has anyone changed struts before ? If something is not right I would like to fix it while I am installing the new struts. This is my first Ford Mustang (of any year) so I am still learning the car. Thanks in advance. Jay __________________ 1990 LX Mustang(9000km),302,Comp Cam(.597 lift,230 duration,114 lobe separation),1.6 Roller Rockers,Trick Flow Twisted Wedge Heads(ported and polished,o-ringed, Vortech R Trim Cog Supercharger(15 pounds of boost @ 6000 rpm),4:1 FMU,Anderson Power Pipe and Vortech By-Pass Combo,GT-40 Lower Intake,Downs Upper,Accufab 70mm throttle body,Pro-m 77mm MAF(calibrated),36lb Injectors,255 LPH Fuel Pump,T- Rex External Pump, Aeromotive Fuel Regulator,1 5/8 Shorty Headers,3" Mac Exhaust,3.73 Gears,6 BTM Ignition Box,Sub Frame Connectors,Eibach Drag Launch Kit(springs),KYB Gas Shocks,Air Lift Air Bag(right rear spring),Lakewood Traction Bars,BF Goodrich Drag Radials(275/50/15), Weld Draglite Wheels,Hurst Shifter,Centerforce Clutch,Fiberglass Hood,Auto Meter Gauges,Hotchkis Caster/Camber Kit,Trunk Mounted Battery. *Stock Tranny - will replace this summer,axles next.

01-20-2002, 05:15 AM	#2
Lawless Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada Posts: 24	Hey ! Nobody's changed struts ? __________________ 1990 LX Mustang(9000km),302,Comp Cam(.597 lift,230 duration,114 lobe separation),1.6 Roller Rockers,Trick Flow Twisted Wedge Heads(ported and polished,o-ringed, Vortech R Trim Cog Supercharger(15 pounds of boost @ 6000 rpm),4:1 FMU,Anderson Power Pipe and Vortech By-Pass Combo,GT-40 Lower Intake,Downs Upper,Accufab 70mm throttle body,Pro-m 77mm MAF(calibrated),36lb Injectors,255 LPH Fuel Pump,T- Rex External Pump, Aeromotive Fuel Regulator,1 5/8 Shorty Headers,3" Mac Exhaust,3.73 Gears,6 BTM Ignition Box,Sub Frame Connectors,Eibach Drag Launch Kit(springs),KYB Gas Shocks,Air Lift Air Bag(right rear spring),Lakewood Traction Bars,BF Goodrich Drag Radials(275/50/15), Weld Draglite Wheels,Hurst Shifter,Centerforce Clutch,Fiberglass Hood,Auto Meter Gauges,Hotchkis Caster/Camber Kit,Trunk Mounted Battery. *Stock Tranny - will replace this summer,axles next.

01-21-2002, 10:26 AM	#3
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	Hmm I changed out my 100K mile original struts for a pair of Gabriels, and I had to fight them to stay down enough so I could bolt them back on the spindle due to those damm spacers you get with the aftermarket struts. I had no problems putting the top bolts on, but I did re-use the stock upper mounts they were fine. My car was on a lift, and I had the car supported from the front suspension, thus compressing the front springs. If you had the front hanging down, this would be a problem, and it would swing down abruptly and release the spring on your head. I have stock springs so maybe they compress easier?? Was you car ever hit?? that could make the strut tower mounts perhaps off?? __________________ 2001 Crown Vic Maurader Airbox/MAF, DR chip Edel IAS shocks Single exhaust :wtf: 93 P-71 Vic interceptor Backup car now 90 5.0 LX Notch SOLD 74 Chevy Laguna type S-3 454 under construction Currently apart undergoing bodywork.

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