new struts...fitment problems...

[TDWPgtp]

so i finally got around to installing my new KYB GR2 struts on my 97 gtp... i got the tops mounted and tightened, but the holes on the bottom of the strut are about an inch off from the holes to bolt up to the spindle. i had a friend who is a mechanic try to help, with no luck. the struts appear to be simply too long... are we missing something? any ideas?

[tblake]

You have the old struts right? Set them side by side and compare. Where did you get the KYB's?

Your car is jacked up by the punchwelds right? To let all the weight off the lower controll arms?

[TDWPgtp]

I'm getting the old ones back tonight. I got them from an eBay store with near 100% feedback...they have the correct part number stamped onto them as well...we are going to compare them with the old ones tonight though

[Scrapper]

yes because something wrong there it sounds like wrong struts you bought. i would have bought them new from parts store and i like monroe struts myself. and another thing did you try to bolt them down at bottom first and not top? that's the way i do all mine.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

and i like monroe struts myself

Using Monroe struts is a good way to ruin the handling and ride of the GT (Grand Touring) suspension system which both Grand Prix GT and GTPs have. Just a mediocre generic fit all GM "W" body strut.

To the OP I've had KYB GR2s on my GTP for several years and no issues with fitment. Is the strut bolt pattern off or are you having issues lining up the holes on the strut to the steering knuckle. Undo the stabilizer bar links and then use a hydraulic jack to push up the lower control arm until the holes line up.

[TDWPgtp]

if anything i need the control arms to drop down... the holes on the strut are lower than the holes on the knuckle. we have tried wiggling it in every way and they just dont line up. its as if the strut is too long... as soon as i get a hold of the old struts ill let you guys know if there is a visible difference..

[BNaylor]

The latest KYB part number for your front struts is 334227 which is the same for all '97-'03 Grand Prixs. Rear is 334228.

To get the lower control arm to drop some more try undoing the stabilizer bar link bolt/nut and the outer tie rod end where it connects to the steering knuckle.

[tblake]

Yeah undo the stabilizer bar link, or else make sure that the entire front end of the car is lifted off the ground, not just one side.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

make sure that the entire front end of the car is lifted off the ground, not just one side.

You really think that is necessary Tim? I've done struts on my '96 Lumina, '99 Regal LS, '01 Regal GS, '97 GTP and '02 Olds Alero and had no issues doing one side at a time. In other words raise only the side you need to work on.

Also, keep in mind the KYB GR2 struts are nitrogen gas pressurized. When the shipment retaining strap is removed the strut shaft will extend out to the max position making the total strut longer than necessary for installation.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

You really think that is necessary Tim? I've done struts on my '96 Lumina, '99 Regal LS, '01 Regal GS, '97 GTP and '02 Olds Alero and had no issues doing one side at a time. In other words raise only the side you need to work on.

Probably not if he un does the stabilizer link Bob. I had a problem getting my strut to knuckle bolts out when I jacked up one side at a time, and getting them back in was impossible. Probably because I have the GMPP front stabilizer bar and I am not strong enough to get enough force on the LCA arm to line the strut to knuckle bolts up.

[TDWPgtp]

thanks for all the help, but for some reason when we went back out to do it last night, he got the side that was giving us all the trouble from the start in within a minute. he said he did everything the same as the day before, but for some reason it worked... we both felt dumb.. but i guess it all works out . thanks for all the help regardless

[jakegday]

i had your same exact problem when i installed my front struts.. instead of a day though, i just remember going inside for 30 minutes and trying to get ahold of someone. no one was available so i went back outside and everything just fell right into place after that

weird

[tblake]

Yeah, when I get frustrated, thats usually when I go grab a drink, come back a little buzzed and everything is so much easier.

Not to mention now if something doesn't work out, I have another vehicle to drive if I can't get finished up in one day. Its a life saver.

[TDWPgtp]

ha nice. being 18 makes it a little hard to do that though haha. but ya having another car would be nice in these situations. during nicer weather i get to drive our '73 MGB if i cant drive my car, which is always a good reason to take things apart on my car ha

[tblake]

sweet!!!!