I have one strut that's gone, so I was going to replace both of the front ones. I have the Haynes manual, but thought you guys would be better than that. Are there any special tools I need (Torque wrench?) or should I be alright?

Also, how difficult is this? Right now, my mechanical skill level isn't too great, but I want to learn. Would this be OK for a beginner to start on? Anything that I should replace with the struts? Do I need an alignment when done, or is it just something that's 'desirable'? Any step-by-step walkthroughs (Pictures would be awesome)?

 

Give my rebuild page a decent look and you should be good to go. You'll need a 250# torque wrench to retorque the struts to 203# when you put them back in, all else are just basic hand tools. Yes you'll need an alignment. Mail me with any other questions.

Here:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/taramille...tos.yahoo.com/


Ed

PS: The "Search" button is a great tool.

 

EBMiller has this on his web site with photos. Just search for his name. Great stuff! If you can turn a wrench on other parts then you can do this.

 

I am going to do my front suspension ala ebmiller and the engine mounts, transmission mount. I found I can rent the torque wrench for $18 locally...beats $100 at Sears. One of the replies to this topic said you should do the engine mounts while the struts and springs are out for easier clearance/access.

 

ebmiller, did you eventually get everything back together? Including the brakes? What kind of difference did all that work make in the car? I bet it was a ton!

 

I wish EBMILLER88 would get a job with Haynes.
His pictures and explanations are prestine !
I hope he keeps his photo site up for several years for others to reference.

 

Thanks for the kudos, guys. I really appreciate it.

I started just taking pictures for myself but with all the posts on the site asking, "How hard is it to..." (blah, blah, blah), I thought I'd show everyone that you can do your own work and save yourself money to spend on go-fast goodies. Plus, most Haynes manuals go only scratch the surface and don't show you what you need to know, my pics do. I'm just glad to know my pics and hints can help someone out with their rebuild.

Sonar, I'm not finished quite yet. I still have the brakes to do and go over it one last time before I put it on the road. Hopefully it will be done by next weekend, but definitely by August 1st. I have 2 rooms in the house torn apart for paint and remodeling and a wife to TRY and keep happy in the meantime

Ed, still wrenchin'

 

I do agree with ebmiller88 that you should torque as specified and get an alignment; however, in 1993 I changed my struts for the first time and just tightened the bolts as tight as I could (they were a bear to remove!) and did NOT do an alignment. I also put new tires on the car at that time that lasted 70,000 miles, so I think my alignment was OK.