AdrianLS

hello guys,

I need help installing my OEM front struts on my 1994 LS400. Do I need to remove the upper control arm? Or is there a different way to install them? Thanks

usoff89

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to the forum.

Unbolt the sway bar link, and they should go right in. After you unbolt the link, it should drop down far enough to get the strut in and out. Some people say it helps to turn the wheels one way or another for extra clearance.

AdrianLS

I was thinking doing that but like I easily removed the old struts. When I was trying to install the new ones I was struggling, so I searched online and I only thing i was able to find was to remove the upper control arm balljoint and too take that of I'll need a balljoint puller. Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow.

Hodson

You shouldn't need that! Simply undo the bolt holding the upper control arm to the spindle, and take a hammer and start hitting the joint on the spindle. After a few hits it will come apart and easily come out. You might need to get pretty hard on it, but it will work. No damage will be caused as a result, maybe some marks on the spindle part but that isn't a big deal. I'm a mechanic and this is how we do it on the job, pullers tend to be a waste of time and could potentially destroy the ball joint boot.

Make sure you only hit the spindle, NOT the threads (to try to knock it upwards, out of the spindle) as you can easily damage them and then will not be able to thread the nut back on.

AdrianLS

Thanks guys! I got the job done yesterday. Took on a test drive, ride really good and smooth. Weird how the check engine light turn on and the traction control, as well, that same day I was driving it. Now, I gotta check that out. I'm thinking it's just and o2 sensor because my dad had that same problem on he's Toyota Solara.