Hey

Really quick. I just got my suspension in from Chad Miller at DT. Hurray!

Is the use of air tools essential? I wanna run outside and just start doin it! But i dont want to get halfway in and get stuck.

Thanks!
David

 

Quick answer: No

 

so no air tools needed?

 

Correct,just makes it easier and quicker.

 

+1

As long as you have all the necessary tools, you're good to go.
Shade tree mechanics don't need no stinkin' air.

 

If you don't already have a spring compressor you will get stuck.

Also, real men use air tools

 

Though a spring compressor will work, a strut compressor would be a better choice.

 

Yeah that's what I meant. In my defense they label them as strut spring compressors. A simple spring compressor won't work all that well.

 

i do all my suspension work using hand tools.

 

Then you sir are not a real man

Actually, I've done everything without airtools, but I got a bunch of them recently and I'm dying to use them... to replace my broken hsports and koni set up with some BC coilovers

 

With all my car's I have never used a spring/strut compressor.

Yes I have all my fingers & have never broke one in doing so.

95 Dodge neon sportcoupe,6 suspensions.
01 Dodge neon R/T,2 suspensions.
03 Dodge neon SRT-4,2 suspensions.
02 Impreza WRX wagon,3 suspensions.
05 Dodge neon SRT-4.2 suspensions.
04 Forester XT STi powered,1 suspension.
04 Mini Cooper S,1 suspension so far.

joe r

 

An impact wrench sure makes it easier to remove the top front strut nut. However, keep the torque down low, on the impach wrench, when reinstalling the nut.

If you do not have an impact wrench make sure you have the right tools to get the nut off before you start. Also, I would suggest a cheap spring compressor to be safe. I have shot a spring when not using a spring compressor and I was lucky only to break a shop light.

 

This is good advise. You will be stuck half way through your project if you don't have the correct tool to remove the front strut nut. This can be sourced online or you can fashion your own from a deep socket by using a dremel to cut a window in the side of it to allow you to slide in an allen wrench to hold the top of the strut (this was mentioned elsewhere in another thread). I first attemped using a deep offset box wrench, but there wasn't enough clearance in the strut mount to fit - some wrench designs may be better however. I ended up dremeling a quality deep socket - as I didn't want to wait to source the specialized Hazlet socket online and didn't have any problems.

If you're doing this yourself, you'll also want to find a safe way to compress the OEM springs - many auto parts stores will rent or loan a spring compressor tool; some people opt to use quality ratchet tie-downs. If you're using lowering springs, it shouldn't be necessary to compress the new springs when installing the new shocks and struts.

 

yes! Unless you're upgrading to different struts you'll need one of these.

I bought a socket from Autozone and got it cut on a Wire EDM at work

 

 

Air tools definately help make the removal quicker. and despite a comment above, I would always suggest using a spring or strut compressor if the struts are removed from the car - much safer! You can try removing the strut nut before raising the car, the weight of the car should keep everything intact until you raise it. Putting it back together will require some tedious work. Try it, but not out of the car!

I second the air gun comments for reinstalling the strut nut, especially if it is new.