Ok, quick question.

I remember when I was changing the springs on the MCS, I ran into a little pickle. When I was re-installing the strut, I couldn't get the strut bolt to tighten. It would just spin. It was recessed, so I couldn't just use a wrench and an allen to hold it still. I would need an "Open ended socket." Well, my auto parts store had a set for $50, but it it only went up to 19mm or so. I needed, I believe, a 21 or a 22. What I ended up doing was buying a regular socket that would fit around the nut. I stuck the allen in there and had someone yank on the socket with a pipe wrench. I got it plenty tight, but it was VERY difficult. So, I was wondering, what did most of you do? Where can I get an open ended socket set that goes past 20mm? Right now, I have some off brand springs that didn't have a perfect fit. I've had some ALTA's in my garage for almost a year now. Thats a quality part, unlike what is on the front now.

If you have any clues, please let me know!
Thank you!

Oh, also, the pictures on Randt Webb's How-to seem to be broken. Does anyone know if they will be fixed?

Again, thank you,
William

 

are you talking about the tower bolts or the piston shaft nut?

for the piston shaft nut, i did what i think you described.
used a regular socket, dropped a key in there, turned the
socket with channel-locks.

 

Piston shaft nut.

Gotch ya. That is what I am talking about. Were you able to get it tight enough? I just didn't know where to find a specialty tool like that. How did most of you other guys do it?

 

Same way. No problem getting things tight enough. It also helps to do the final tightening with everything installed and the car sitting on the ground.

Scott
90SM

 

Bought these for the exact same reason!
Harbor Freight
They work great!

Joe

 

yep, you don't need to crank it that much. hand tight snug is fine.
If you're worried about it loosening, you can either use new
nylon backed lock nuts or loctite blue.

 

Impact gun works great.

 

did mine yesterday and the impact gun did the trick. that harbor freight set is pretty trick though

 

THANK YOU!
Kenchan, I'll still use that method when needed, its just that those tools will make me feel so much better. I'm a little paranoid. :impatient

Thanks for all the tips guys. I'm going to slap some ALTAs on there the on the 5th.

I'll let you know how I like em.

 

use the right tools if you have them handy.

 

I took a socket and welded a 3/4" nut on the top of it. That way the allen could fit through the center and a box end wrench went over the 3/4" nut. I ended up making up a few different sizes so the I could also loosen the nuts on the strut bar too. Works great.

 

Now THAT is improvising. Bravo!

Being the cheap person that I am, I think I might do that instead!

Thanks again for all the help, guys.