here is a quick question.
to disassemble the front suspension i.e. top hats, spring perches, etc..
do I have to compress the coils so it won't shoot out or something??
I'm going to use an impact wrench to undo the nut then tq wrench it to spec when I put it on.. any suggestion in doing so?

thanks!

 

if were talking about the stock spring on them .. yes you need the spring compressor.. if it already has lowering spring then it may not be necessary

 

Compressor helps, but isn't necessary... I assume you're taking off the stocks and installing some aftermarket springs. You'll be fine it's an easy job.

 

You don't need one. You will have a little tension when you pull the nut off, but it is straightforward - it doesn't shoot across the room.

You can use an impact to put it back on as well, but hold the shock shaft to keep it from spinning. You don't need to hammer it on either. If you would like to torque it, use a socket with an open center and a long allen to keep the shaft from spinning - special tools though.

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

We like to use ratchet straps just to hold a couple coils together before disassembling... You can get them cheap at Home Depot - just cut the hook off the short strap and cauterize it to keep it from shredding. You can keep the long strap for other stuff. Then, you use the short end, wrap a couple coils, and ratchet down slightly just to keep the tension... just be careful when releasing them, using the ratchet action in the opposite direction.

As far as breaking the top nut loose and re-tightening, we like to use a strap wrench to keep the shaft from turning. Sears has them and they're inexpensive. The nice thing about a strap wrench is that it comes in handy for all sorts of other household stuff, unlike special unitasker sockets. Because the strap is rubber and the body of the tool is plastic, it doesn't mar the shaft of the strut - worst case, you get a little rubber residue that you can wipe off...

To remove, slide the rubber strap between the spring's coils, around the shaft, tighten it down, and then use an impact wrench the break the nut loose. To install, you flip the strap wrench over, lock it down and use a ratchet to re-install the nut and then zap it with the impact wrench once just to ensure it's tight. The strap wrench keeps the shaft from turning quite nicely!

Note that it can be a challenge to get the OEM struts re-installed once they have been fully extended... k-huevo posted some excellent techniques for dealing with that using a jack and some spare materials or tools. We use a jack and a breaker bar to compress the strut using the lower spring perch when necessary...

 

ahhh
thank you all
i just finished the fronts (using top hats for my coils.. hahah)

thank you all for your great infos!!!