A bigger hammer doesn't always work

[VaGuS510]

So on Friday i decided to tackly my suspension finally. The plan was new polygraphite bushings from PST, struts, wheel bearings, ball joints and tie rod ends and probably something I am forgetting.

I started with the rear on Friday.

The drivers pivot pin was a pain, but finally came out once I got angry enough.

The passengers side wan't as fun.

I started with the classic hammer. IT FAILED

I got a bigger hammer, 5lb sledge IT FAILED

I got a bigger hammer, 20lb sledge It FAILED

I cut the pin off the control arm and maxed out a 20 ton press and heated IT FAILED

Time to think. . . ouch . . . Nothing to lose. . . Drill the pin out.

My machinist friend and I set it up, on his mill, and began drilling. We didn't want to drill the entire pin out but rather drill it untill the walls were thin. Hopefully, while drilling, the pin would start spinning. After drilling out to .595 we were still out of luck. We tried to drive it out. Apearently, we either didn't set the strut level in the vise, or it vibrated out of level while drilling. The drill went crooked and while trying to drive out the pin we broke a piece of the casting of the strut. We did get the pin out though but I need a new passengers side strut if anyone has one avilable.

[VaGuS510]

What year Z's have a rear strut that is compatible with my 73.

[Dtsnlvrs]

What year Z's have a rear strut that is compatible with my 73.

69-74.5 so all 240s and the thin bumper 260

[=Enigma=]

You would have been better off borrowing or buying a pin puller, but then hind sight is always 20-20.

[VaGuS510]

i am not sure a pin-puller would have helped considering that the 20-ton press failed to do the job.

[joefarnarkler]

i am not sure a pin-puller would have helped considering that the 20-ton press failed to do the job.

having previously used both methods and never having the puller fail, my bet is that it would have worked just fine. But, HEY, as long as you got them out it's a moot point now.

[zack_280]

I have had a puller fail. The lug on the puller completely stripped. It may not always be possible to get the pin out with a puller. I 'spose not all pullers are created equal, but I endedup using the drill-it-'til-it's-thin method on one of the pins. It wasn't cheap. Especially after buying the puller.