Strut Replacement

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:27 pm

Will the spring compressor at the local autopart store be enough to compress these springs?
Or is there something better?
Any tips on changing struts?

Thank You
Josh

BJ'naKJ · **Posted:** Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:41 pm

I took mine to PepBoys. $45 maybe for the two.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:18 pm

the rental at the autoparts stores isn't enough for CRD springs
first time I broke one of the cheap compressors
ended up taking them to a shop that had a wall mounted compressor - $20
the second time I bought Ampro T70570 from Autozone $40

http://www.amprotools.net/product_list.aspx?productid=754&partnerid=32&categoryid=5&mode=show

worked fine on the CRD coils and the OME790's

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 03, 2009 12:58 pm

What do I need to press out the lower ball joint to get the shock out?
Do I need to press out the LBJ?

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:55 pm

to get it out - just take the bolt out of the clevis - it should give you enough room to drop the shock.

to reinstall - is a bit harder - count on a strap or something to pull the lower A arm down enough to put the bolt in the clevis

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 03, 2009 6:43 pm

Thanks ATXKJ,

I got the strut out.

Now,

The macpherson strut compressor I rented from the autoparts store won't fit into the coils!

Everywhere I look I find two types of compressor:

The Macpherson Strut compresor
and
spring compressors (designed for being inside the spring)

Could I use 2 of the SPRING compressors, 1 on each side of the strut???

(Too dangerous?)

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 04, 2009 3:41 pm

GRINDER- hehe,

I ground down the ends of the rental strut comprssor!!!

I was concerned they might kick without much lip, but no movement.

Got the right side strut in.

Now for the left.

I torqued the clevis, and stabalizer link with the Jeep still jacked up!!!
QUESTION:
Should I be ok, or should I loosen and re-torque with the Jeep at ride height(not on the jack)????????????????????????????

Manual says ~ "Caution: tighten all suspension components with rubber/urethan bushing with vehicle at normal ride height or ride quality and bushing life be be affected"

FormerlyBankNote4x4 · **Posted:** Sun Oct 04, 2009 9:30 pm

Ah Rancho- feels safe again, even brakes with far less shake!

To get the top strut mounting bolt off of the left side under the brake distributer, I had to put a stubby closed end gear wrench, then a s-hook, and then pull it with a crow bar.

You don't need to press out the ball joints!

Just loosen the top strut mounts bolts to the top of the threads,
then get a small bolt(and washer) to put in the clevis fork (where the bolt holes are),
and spread the forks apart,
then you can manipulate the clevis out, then he strut.

Get strut compressors like ATXKJ pictured and you won't have any problem with a little oil on the threads- I used jack oil.

I did let the Jeep down before final torqueing the bolts with bushings.

Strut Replacement

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