Front Strut Insert Replacement

[takza]

* Really do appreciate the strut writeup...nothing like having a view of the real world before starting a job. These jobs don't always work out like they say in the manuals.

* I soak the hey out of any rusty bolts BEFORE I start a job now...a new policy.

Usually I have time to plan ahead...so I remember to get started with the oiling thing...

Wondered where you were...3AC...sounds like you got caught under a car.

About 6-7 years ago they sold a Canadian beer here for awhile...good price and really smooth good beer. Blue label with a big red maple leaf on it. Only beer I bought while it lasted.


* I bought this puppy:

<a href='http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=36175' target='_blank'>http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... r=36175</a>

Doesn't cost a lot, but it still works after a year of use. Doesn't work like a typical impact wrench...it sort of winds up and then it catches and spins the nut....enough torque that you want to be sure you have the socket on the nut pretty well to avoid trashing it.


* All I can say is this...didn't like the look of those 2 rusty bolts on the pass side strut and it looked like the axle would come out without removing them and it did. I'm all for shortcuts.

Found out today that the AXLE I put in from AdvanceAP was a CCT brand...a red logo on the side of a brown box...CCT in big letters on the end. The only problem I have with it is the clicking when doing a real sharp turn....fine otherwise.

[3A-C Power]

I've never had a problem getting Tercel struts off. The car with the siezed bolts was a Cavalier. The other way to do it is undo the ball joint and the top strut bolts to move the strut and steering knuckle as an assembly.

[takza]

JCWhitney has strut assemblies for 87-88.....?


<a href='http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Item ... 5310176349' target='_blank'>http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Item ... 0176349</a>



Been looking for struts for an '83....should fit '83 thru '88...all are cartridges....some online results........EACH....


RockAuto

Monroe 72867 Sensatrac cartridge $35.79

carparts.com

GABRIEL G44800 52.94 Ultra Cartridge; Front; SW (4WD)

Maximum Auto

Front KYB GR-2 Gas Cartridge L3005-19912
$46.55

CarJunky

Toyota Tercel 4WD Wagon Strut Insert GR-2
Part #L3005-19912 KYB $46.55


<a href='http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... egory=1467' target='_blank'>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... ry=1467</a>

PAIR of new Gabriel #G44800 FRONT Gas Ryder strut cartridges for use in rebuildable struts. $29.95 << beat this!!!

AdvanceAP

Monroe 72867
SENSA TRAC CART $41.88

Autozone

GABRIEL_ULTRA SHOCK/STRUT - FRONT G44800 $29.99 store ONLY! Special Order

[Fingers]

I finally replaced my front struts and springs, rear shocks, put h-shaped spring helpers in the rear, and have replaced various bushings and sort.

Happy to say that my ride height is back to spec in front (approx. 2 3/4 in. higher than before), and off by less than 1/8 in. in the rear (from sagging by almost 3 in.). The ride is quite bouncy, but it is nice when you hit the big bumps.

I was very lucky to be able to do all the work in the shop, using a pneumatic spring compressor, in addition to the standard bolt type. Took me and 2 friends about 2 hours to finish it all up. Next up is inner tie-rod ends, front wheel bearings, and a good ole alignment. With that and all of my rear end work done, I should be set for quite a long while. Unless I get into the tranny swap........

Summertime, time to slap on the alloys.....

[takza]

Next up is inner tie-rod ends,

Might want to check the bushings inside on the ends of the rack and the rubber bushings on the outside of the rack (manual)....these can be done at the same time. If you have the PS...don't know.

[Fingers]

Yeah, I checked out all the bushings, they are fine. I always thought it would be a outer tie, those are the only ones I have had to replace in the past. And yeah, it is ps, but is about the same rack setup as a manual. Thanks anyway!