KLR

I'm changing out my upper strut mounts with the KLA monoballs tomorrow and switching out the sways to an M030 rear and 26.8 front with all new bushings. I'll be stopping by Autozone in the AM to rent a spring compressor. Anything else I need (other than my full complement of wrenches and ratchets, etc.)? Any tips from those who have done this for the first time recently? This will be my first foray into suspension work.

Gator_86_951

I had to use an impact to get the top nut off the strut. Are you using rubber bushings on the bars? If so you will need ample bearing grease to get the bushing on, and a whole lot of r-rated vocab. That can be a real freaking horrible nightmare. I just recently changed from rubber to delrin on my front M030 bar.

KLR

I am, fortunately, going delrin on the front. I don't have access to a compressor, so the top nut may require some thinking/cursing. How much?

Gator_86_951

tifosiman had a solution, maybe PM him. I used an impact like I said. The reason being that i had no way of holding the shaft of the shock still to loosen the nut.

Delrin is the way to go. I should have done that originally. Since every 944 leaks p/s fluid, it took all of 4 minutes to ruin the pass. side rubber bushing. So far it doesn't really squeak.

MTM

I just recently did almost the exact same thing, except with GURU plates and Weltmeister bars. I used an impact wrench to get the top nut off, but I seem to recall having done it before by holding the shaft with a wood clamp and using a regular socket wrench on top. BTW, you don't need to use a spring compressor. By the time you get the nut unscrewed enough that it is ready to come off, there is almost no force left in the spring. At least, that's how it was for me doing regular 944 struts and my old S2 struts, so I'm guessing it's similar for the Turbo ones.

Macfreak007

it is possible to hold the shaft with a vise grip with a rag under it, but be CAREFUL!!!
The bes thing to do is to get the struts pulled and take them to a gas station or something and jst borrow the air compressor for half a second while you make the swaps. This is what I did, and the guy didnt mind at all.

Also, realize that no matter if you mark it, you are still going to need an alignment after this. So plan on that as well. If you haven't already...

ibkevin

Delrin is a must. When I converted my 968 towers to Koni cartridges l used an offset from Harbor Freight, the lighter wrench had less material and fit into the top nut well.

Delrin will give you loads of stiffness up front, I followed that up with delrin rears and spherica drop links set stiff. Those two little areas are easily over looked but sure bring the suspension to the tires.

Stick with the spring compressors, it's easier and safer!

Serge944

There is aluminum tape they sell at Home Depot with adhesive incredibly strong. Just wrap it around the rubber bushings instead.

PS leaks should not be a reason to go to Delrin. Delrin, in all honesty, sucks for the street, and has very poor longevity in cold temperatures. Not to mention, its very expensive.

Gator_86_951

Wow. I fixed the p/s leak, my car is primarly track, and i was aware of the qualities of delrin before the decision. No need to be so harsh.

Serge944

This wasnt an attack on you, sorry if it came out that way.

I was simply pointing out the flaws of delrin. Have a nice day.