I'm installing HP's on my 78Z this week. I know I need to fill the strut tube with oil, but I've been unable to find a reference on a forum as to what type or brand is recommended and appropriate.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

You don't need oil. The HP's have their oil inside. You can search around and find lots of threads about it and/or read the FA chapter in the FSM to see how the original inserts used the oil. If you have stock factory inserts in the tubes now, you'll understand when you take them apart.

No science required here - any light oil is OK. Engine oil, ATF, ...etc. You are not lubing anything, just providing a medium to absorb and transfer any heat coming out of the shock inserts.

I was under the impression that there was still oil in the tube to help disipate heat. I've been following Blue's tech tip guide on the install and he uses oil(?) in the tube with HP's.

Thanks Jim.

It could be considered insurance for that day you end up driving at high speed over a bumpy road for a very long time. Can't hurt. Just leave the old oil in if you're replacing stock with the HP's.

Edit - the question of why or why not isn't answered but KYB says explicitly to leave the tube dry in their installation link - http://www.kyb.com/service/installationtips/installationtip08.php

For what it's worth and further discussion, if anyone wants to go there. The KYB's and the Tokico's are essentially identical as far as form and installation go.

Edited December 17, 201212 yr by Zed Head

You don't need much, a couple of tablespoons is fine. Any light oil or ATF will do the job.

I used ATF, should make removing them much easier for the next time that happens.

I spray the inside of the strut tube with WD40, Kroil, Wurth HKS, or whatever I have and then wipe the shock body with grease. Mostly to make it really easy for the next guy to get the shock out. I'm a giver... :-)

'Course, if I'm in a bad mood, I fill the strut tube with 4 ounces of JB Weld and then stick the shock in... :-)

Edited December 18, 201212 yr by John Coffey

The box I initially opened did not include instructions, but the second strut box had them enclosed. Tokico says any oil will do, but they do recommend light weight and to fill is as is described in the FSM. I used 20 weight motorcycle oil because I had it on my shelf.

Thanks for the help, humor, and patience.

'Course, if I'm in a bad mood, I fill the strut tube with 4 ounces of JB Weld and then stick the shock in... :-)

MMMM.. that made me spit my coffee on my keyboard

Thanks JOHN!

HAHAAHAH