Replaced the rear shocks this evening...

[83hockeywagon]

and so many rattles and strange sounds gone! Took it for a quick test drive to buy a couple lock washers to replace the ones I lost in the driveway. Rides so much better and quieter. Two hours and a little money well spent.

 

Anyone have any pointers on doing the front? HTKYSA says not to tackle the springs on the struts. Is it doable at home without special tools, or should I take it to a shop? (83GL wagon 4wd)

 

Jake

[TomRhere]

You'll  need a set of good quality spring compressors to do the job yourself.

 

You could also pull the strut assemblies off the Wagon, take them and the new struts to a garage and have them swap things around, put the assemblies back where they belong.

That would be easier on your wallet vs. having the shop do all of the work.

[DaveT]

There's a thread around here with a picture of my strut compressor.

[wagonist]

there is another way. while the car is still on the ground, undo & remove the top bolt of the strut through the strut tower. The weight of the car will keep it all compressed. Then when you jack the car up, it will all become loose safely.

You can install it back the same way, but you have to be careful lining up the top spring mount as the spring doesn't sit concentrically with the strut. Some cable ties with a loose dummy fit on the bench can work to help this. And if you get stuck, you can still take the parts to a shop to re-assemble as TomRhere said

[machthree2]

Are gen 2 86 brat struts the same as gl wagon? ea81? if so, any suggestions on alternate springs and where can i find shocks?

i here they are hard to find? Mine are super collapsed?