Codename 47

iTrader: (4)

I've got an 86 camaro SC with the 2.8L motor not that it matters much. Anyways, I am changeing the struts on this car. Here is what I did...

First while the car was on the ground I took the nuts that connect the strut to the upper strut tower.

Then I took my jack and jacked up the front of the car. Now since the struts were no longer connected the A arms (I think thats what they are called, the things that the strut and spring are connected to) started to sag down towards the ground like this
-> / \. I looked at them and saw that only the brake fluid hose was holding them, so my friend who was helping me took the tires off to relieve some wieght.

Next I removed the struts and rotars. I got new rotars and brake pads, and new struts. The struts bolted on to the steering nuckle right now (I have the 2 big bolts connected, They are connected to the steering nuckle right?).

Here is my question, How do reconnect the strut to the upper strut mount? I dont have the new rotars on yet, but I wanted to connect the struts so it will be easier to put the new rotars on. I have tried to stick a jack underneath the A arm, in a good secure spot and jack it up, it goes and goes, but it does eventually start to lift the car off the nearest jackstand due to the fact that the spring on the A arm gets compressed. Is there a good way to compress this spring? Off the top of my head, Id say im about 2 inches short of being able to screw the nut on. (BTW, The car is totally off the ground on 4 jackstands)

I cant really put the tires on and slowly let the car to the ground, because as I stated before the A arms are like this / \ and by putting the tires on and slowly letting the car to the ground they are not going to straighten out are they? (So the would be like this - - instead of sagging like this / \ ). Thanks for any input!

waltersb

Use a spring compressor....

Codename 47

iTrader: (4)

Yeah I was just talking to my friend Mike and he also suggested a spring compressor. Sorry if this question seems like a no brainer, but im new to the whole car deal, but Im learning as a go! Thanks for the advice and input!

88Camaro350

You should have placed the jack underneath the A-arm in the first place. You lucky the spring didn't fly out.

If you keep pressure on the springs the whole time with a floor jack the struts would have went in with ease.

Codename 47

iTrader: (4)

Hmmm Yes that does seem to make sense. Well I guess we learn from our mistakes. Thanks Guys!