Im a complete and total git. Im changing my original 40 year old struts to new: I removed the 3 bolts holding the strut assembly on car, and without thinking i removed the strut bolt. Maybe the beers had something to do with it.. Well no damage done, i got jack under the strut assembly, only that the spring is now decompressed. Now that everything else is removed and loose, the spindle pin is on my way..should i even try to remove it or should i just remove the whole assembly as one?

:stupid::stupid:

Unless you are putting new bushings in, there is no reason to pull the spindle pin. Leave it alone. You are going to need spring compressors to get the spring back on. The pent up forces in the spring are dangerous. Definitely a job where the beers should wait till you are finished working.

Marty

Or get tokico springs that are shorter but stiffer and don't need the compressor to install.

If you're handy, maybe you can use the car's weight as a spring compressor. Jack the strut up and try to realign the pieces on the way up. Seems like it should work if you can get things aligned.

Can you saw out the strut shaft and get the spring out without pressure on the spring?

Remove the whole assembly. As stated, you would need spring compressors to re-install the springs anyway. I wouldn't mess with the spindle pins - unless you need to replace the bushings there.

I do find it easier to replace the spindle pins - with the whole assembly off anyway. I take them to a friends shop where there is a 20Ton press. Soak them with Kroil for a couple days, then apply a little heat and PRESS.

BTW - I'm guessing that you are actually replacing the shocks - not really the struts {yes/no?} If you are replacing the struts - then yes the spindle pins must come out.

Carl B.

Oh yes, the shocks. my bad. Spring does not have much tension in it anymore, now that its almost in full lenght. So i might as well change some bushings to suspension rack while im at it.

By the way, i do not have stabilising bar at the rear... normal?

edit. checked the fsm, rear stabilising bar does not show on there, so i guess its normal then.

Edited March 13, 201212 yr by Reverend

Btw.. can i remove the rack without dropping the differential? seems like the front differential mount must be loosened.

and with rack, i mean control arm

Yes, you can remove the lower control arm and strut assembly without removing the differential. The differential will be held by the mustache bar.

Btw.. can i remove the rack without dropping the differential? seems like the front differential mount must be loosened.

Yes - just put a jack or jack stand under the front of the diff. You just have to let it down a couple inches.

Did it. Now the only barrier ahead is the gland nut. I just love these big arse rusted bolts and nuts... sigh... this thread has some info http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?43456-strut-upper-gland-nut&highlight=gland but anyone has anything to add?