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Hi guys. I tried searching this topic but did not find anything. I have a 2000 LS400 and am going to change out the back shocks. I cannot get the seatback off to save my soul.😩 I watched several videos and have removed them on several other cars in the past but this thing is stuck! I was just wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if they might have a McGiver trick to share? (I did remove all of the bolts).
The seat base needs to come out first. And are you sure you removed all of the bolts? They are the only thing holding up the seat, once you take them out it should lift "up" and come forward.
the back has 7 bolts holding it in, you can't get to the lower bolts without removing the base which is only clipped in.
It's been a few years but I remember the trick to installing the rear struts was to insert the top through its bolt holes first then raise the control arm end with a jack to align the lower bolt hole.
I’m sure you’re right. I tool out the seat belts and everything to clear everything out. But man, that sucker is not going anywhere with all of those bolts.
I got the shocks out and the boots are shredded. Seems like most folks go with the Bilstein HD B6 shocks? They don’t come with boots so I’m debating whether to just put them on without the boots? It’s going to stay a Florida car…mostly errands and airport runs. But if I could find them without a hassle, I’d get them. Any suggestions would be super appreciated. Thanks again.
My struts and bellows, etc. finally arrived today. It was a bit confusing but was hoping to post a few pics to see if I have them assembled correctly? I sure appreciate any feedback. Thank you. I might have to get a 2nd set of the spring clamps to get the top nut on?
just keep compressing the spring (carefully) until it's short enough. also i would reposition the compressors so they are as opposite as possible - i know easier said than done as it moves when tightening.
and i don't think you're suppose to double the dust boot! i would run the new one with the bump stop nearest the top hat.
Will do, thank you very much. I saw where someone on another thread used two sets of compressors so I decided to do the same. I just need another. 5” and if it saves me from getting hurt or fighting with them, it’s worth $30.00.
The boots were confusing because I ordered what I thought I needed but then it seems I somehow doubled up? However, the larger cone-shaped
(Or funnel-shaped) one fits perfectly, fits the top…looks right…but didn’t have any kind of ‘bump stop’ or spacer with it? So maybe I just need to see if the little yellow spacer from the second boot fits into the cone…I’ll try that. I’ll be back to the car this week.
Update…I’m an idiot. I think when they sent the shocks they sent boots from another car? My OEM stuff came from the Middle East and I was trying to use them both. And once I took the others off the socks compressed easily and I have everything back together and torqued. Now, I take the fight to the backseat and reinstalling it.
backseat reinstallation should be easy now that you know how it came apart! the hard part is the suspension reinstallation - did you load the suspension before doing the final torque? rubber bushings like to be torqued at a neutral state (car on the ground or suspension loaded).
I’m still an idiot, but mostly all good. I put it all back together, finally. But I think the end of my ratchet caught a wheel sensor wire and stretched it…it was a week or so ago and I’d forgotten about it. But when I started it up I got a “VSC” warning. Ugh…I unhooked the battery and hooked it back up but no luck. I need to have the timing belt changed and one of the catalytic converters replaced so I’ll add this to the list. It was a lot of work to save however many hundreds of dollars it would have been. It rides great and we’ll have a nice trip to Florida in July. I super appreciate your help and advice. Thank you very much. Danny
Removing back seat-back
. And once I took the others off the socks compressed easily and I have everything back together and torqued. Now, I take the fight to the backseat and reinstalling it.
