Strut/Spring replacement question

[Rich]

After 135K, I've decided to finally replace the stock suspension. Yeah, it rides like crap right now.

My intent is to buy everything I need, assemble the strut/spring, and just do a direct swap with whats there now.

So, I have ordered Vogtland Springs, AGX's, LCA's (bushings are toast), Monroe kit 902973 (qty 2. Front strut mount kits), Monroe Kit 902968 and 902969 (rear mount kits), and two new front hubs.

My question is, what else is needed to fully assemble these struts so I can just swap them in.

~Rich

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[Turbocharged400sbc]

the OE spring isolators

 

[Rich]

Thought those came with the kit, but after looking again, I guess they dont. And now that I think about it, I am going to need the boot too.

Thanks for the quick response.

~Rich

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

no problemo... have fun!

 

[Rich]

You would'nt happen to have some old junky struts with some spare isolators laying around, would ya? Maybe some dust boots too?

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

naw best bet for that is to maybe shoot bob and voytek an email

 

[Alacran]

naw best bet for that is to maybe shoot bob and voytek an email

Just get a loaner tool spring compressor and swap them out. Why do you want to keep the old ones for?

To complete the strut assembly you need upper and lower spring isolators, spring seat (plastic), and the plastic wedge that lines up the spring to the strut mount.

The isolators are easier to locate than the others b/c you can order them. The plastic pieces are dealer only.

 

[Rich]

Just get a loaner tool spring compressor and swap them out. Why do you want to keep the old ones for?

To complete the strut assembly you need upper and lower spring isolators, spring seat (plastic), and the plastic wedge that lines up the spring to the strut mount.

The isolators are easier to locate than the others b/c you can order them. The plastic pieces are dealer only.

Its just easier to have a fully loaded strut to install. That way I dont have to rip the car apart, break down the struts, swap parts, then reinstall. Just making my life easy I guess.

I just sourced a set of used complete struts, so my parts search is over.

 

[Alacran]

it only takes 5 minutes to swap that over. Seriously it does not take long to remove compress swap and assemble. It was the easiest part on a car i just worked on.

 

[GLIKENNY]

the OE spring isolators

where to buy these? Dealer, or Pepboys?

 

[Alacran]

rockauto.com has the spring isolators. The seat and wedge (plastic pieces) are dealer only.

Edit: actually looks like KYB sells everything for the front upper spring.
http://info.rockauto.com/KYB/Detail.html?SM5470.jpg