questions about changing rear struts

Hey everyone,

I was wanting to change my rear struts shortly. I know Monroe makes some that work for a minimum of $. I was just trying to figure out if this is something I want to tackle. I pretty decent with working on things, but never tackled any suspension type stuff.

There WAS some info on gmforums.com, but for thats gone now <grrrrr...>.

Anyway, looking at them from the bottom there are just three bolts holding the strut into its housing, and I understand there is one bolt hidden under the trunk lining on the top of the strut. Then I would have to get the strut unhooked from the wheel area.

My auto parts store loans out tools, including a strut compressor. Do I have to squeeze the strut to get it in (and conversely, it I unbolt this sucker is it gonna shoot out and impale my foot if I don't have it clamped down?).

Following installation I understand I need to drive directly to someplace to have an alignment done.

I vaguely remember something about maybe needing to replace and/or not getting a strut boot or strut mount on the top end aligned correctly being a problem. Has anyone done this and can they fill me in? Any specifics would be great, or even just tell me I shouldn't do this...

Thanks!

Your talking about an Aurora right ? Not hard to do at all. Jack it up under the control arm away from the 2 bolts you'll need to remove. Remove the tire .Take off the metal clip on the air hose, take the hose off the shock (you might have to twist it back and forth) .Get up in the trunk and remove the center nut at the top of the shock. Go back to the wheel well and pull the top of the shock down out of the mount. Now remove the 2 lower bolts and it's out ! Now put it back in the oppisite way you took it out.You might want to stretch the shock out a little before you put in place. Pop the little cap off the air fitting of the shock.Try not to get any dirt in there. I like to put my feet on the bottom ears and pull up on the top section of the shock to lengthen it. There is probably a washer in the box. Put it on the top stud of the shock now . Start the bottom of the shock don't tighten the bottom bolts yet, align the top of the shock to the mount hole and push the stud through the mount hole. If your having trouble getting the threads through the top of the mount push down a little on the body of the car. Make sure the factory washer is on the top of the mount (you should already have the new washer on the bottom ) Start the nut, tighten up the nuts/bolts. Put the clip back on the air line I like to put a couple drops of oil into the line to help the seal and push it on till it clicks. Do the same to the other side. I've never heard of aligning the rear after this. I guess you could if you want to, But after you get it all back together you might want to back the car up a few feet and then pull it back forward The wheels kinda kick out on the top from jacking it up.

pickproparts.com has Monroe Max Air(MA822)for the rear, for $76.55 packaged in pairs. Only $5 shipping per order. I called Monroe tech support and an engineer there said they WOULD WORK with the automatic level control. Unfortunately, they are white so you need to scuff'em and spray'em satin black if you care about looks.

I think that was even more detailed than the first time I saw that on the old aurora forum. Thanks!!! I'll let you know how everything works out.

P.S. It might have been the front that the alignment gets buggered up so badly on. It's not like I can refer back to that post or anything... <sigh>

Good luck ... The front would need alignment.... Spring compressor.....little bit more scary ... that will be then next lesson ..lol