Rep Power: 0

edit: thanks to djmota i can get the rear gc's off


but now i'm having trouble getting the fronts off.. the front strut on both sides don't want to come off... i take off all the necessary bolts but the power steering tie rod does not want to come off the strut, even with the pin and nut removed... i think it was due to overtightening of the nut... i need to fully remove the strut so that i can cut it for the koni's...scroll down to my post for a pic of what i mean

 
Rep Power: 323

did we not use the correct size hex key the first time(sarcastic tone)
Just kidding. if you can get at the shaft of the strut (I don't know if you still have the dust boot on or anything) grab it with a pair of vise grips and clamp down on that thing nice and tight. and take off the nut. Since you are getting koni's it doesn't matter if you F++k it up. But If you want to save the stock ones try to grab it at the top. the bump stop keeps the strut from compressing to that point so if you chew it up a bit, it wont matter.

 
Rep Power: 0

thanks... i don't have the dust boot on because i have gc's on there and i took them off.... i see in your sig that you have koni yellows and gc's as well... i will have that setup soon and was wondering how its working for you?? did you get the gc collars ??

 
Rep Power: 323

yup I got the collars and definitely reccomend them. they should keep you from having the problems that some other people have had with the Koni rear spring perches. Its a good set up and I like em alot.

 
Rep Power: 0

please refer to my original post for info on this pic...

the red (power steering tie rod) is stuck on the blue part of the front strut... (sorry for the ugly photoshop) suggestions on how to get this off??

 
Rep Power: 323

first off let me say DO NOT use a hammer on the bare tie rod end!.
Go and rent a tie rod end puller from your local auto parts store.
IF and ONLY IF ,you cant get a tie rod puller, here is the getto way. screw the nut on until the end of the tie rod end is almost to the top of the nut. Get a piece of wood.. short 2x4 is the best.. and hammer on the piece of wood until the tie rod end pops up.
the nut should protect the threads. the wood should protect the nut. If you really want to get risky hit it only once or twice without the wood. I REALLY recommend renting the correct tool to do the job or risk F++king up your tie rod end. Renting it should be pretty darn cheap under $10.00 ...and makes the job alot easier. also make sure to pick up a couple of new cotter pins.

 
Rep Power: 0

thanks djmota again!! i didn't know there was such a tool... and i already replaced the pins with thicker ones the last time when i installed my gc's...

 
Rep Power: 419

I think Autozone rents them, but I heard that you can damage your tie rod boot by doing it this way... I used a mini-sledge and I had my wheels straight. Just pound on it from the bottom and it'll come out easily. At least mine did. Oh yeah, I also sprayed the damned thing with WD-40 and I kinda hit it all over the place with a segular hammer to cause mini vibrations to loosen and rusted up spots. Worked for me. No damege to tie rod and/or tie rod boot.

 
Rep Power: 417

ya the tie rod seperator can be rented for free at autozone. but then people have complained about them ripping the boots.

if you still want to use it, just hammer that sucker in, lean on it and bam its off

 
Rep Power: 0

I used it...got it from Autozone...didnt hurt either of my boots...just pry at the bottom of the boot first to lift it up...then hammer it on and leverage the rod off.

Matt

 
Rep Power: 315

man, I bought mine from "Canadian Tire" (known as crappy tire) for $15.99

I asked if they could lend it to me, and the guy leaned over the "We lend tools" sign, and said "Oh, no sir, we don't lend tools out."

punks.

so yeah, its cheap man...rent it or buy it...it'll save you a lot of hassle, and will be a lot safer!