Rear strut replacement how-to
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Utah
How to replace rear struts
I replaced the rear struts this past weekend and did the attached write-up. I hope others will find it useful.
Last edited by KMinAF; Sep 5, 2010 at 10:13 AM. Reason: trying to upload file
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 63
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From: Utah
Rear strut replacement how-to
Here is a write up that I did when I replaced the rear struts on my 1991 LS400. The job was pretty straight forward and took about two hours. I used KYB GR2 and found their ride to be noticably firmer than factory struts. It would be interesting to compare other brands to see which ones are most similar in ride to the originals. Regardless, I am happy with the much improved handling over the worn out struts that I replaced.
Good info - thanks for writing it up for us. I'm about to do this job on my '91. On the rear, in addition to the KYB GR-2 struts, I'm planning to replace the strut mounts and upper insulators, but not replace the lower insulators and bumpers, since they look OK.
Did you replace any of those parts when you did this? Doing the fronts any time soon?
Did you replace any of those parts when you did this? Doing the fronts any time soon?
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Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Nova Scotia
Thanks for the write-up
Just wanted to add I followed it but realized removing the lower sway bar joint nut may not be necessary.
Also, removing the first one took us nearly 3 hours, the second was 5-10 minutes. Problem was we thought the strut should come UP so the bottom of the strut cleared the control arm then out. Kinda dumb but once we tried lowering the strut and aiming the bottom down and into the underside of the car so the top of the strut could come out and clear the fender we were in business! LOL
- that obvious point wasn't clearly explained in the write-up.
Just wanted to add I followed it but realized removing the lower sway bar joint nut may not be necessary.
Also, removing the first one took us nearly 3 hours, the second was 5-10 minutes. Problem was we thought the strut should come UP so the bottom of the strut cleared the control arm then out. Kinda dumb but once we tried lowering the strut and aiming the bottom down and into the underside of the car so the top of the strut could come out and clear the fender we were in business! LOL
- that obvious point wasn't clearly explained in the write-up.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 63
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From: Utah
Sorry it wasn't clear enough, the part where I said to lift up on the lower control assy related to what you are saying. I too spent the better part of an hour trying to figure out what turned out to be so obvious.
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From: Utah
Alignment
Changing the struts usually does not change the suspensions geometry therefore an alignment is not required. However, if an alignment has not been done for some time I would certainly suggest a four wheel alignment by a reputable service center.
unless you feel like changing your perfectly good shocks for another set of perfectly good shocks, and end up with the exact same ride height...