strut replacement - reusable parts.

[rkvons]

Hi all,

I bought some new struts for the front of my 1998 Montana. They are just the struts and do not include the springs, etc. They are the KYB KY334227 from USautoparts.com. I've researched online that you can transfer things over from the old ones to the new ones. I was just wondering how the strut boot is attached at both ends. Can there be a problem with how it attaches to the new strut, where it is not the same and so does not fit? Also, can anyone see other problems I might come across while trying to transfer everything. Thanks in advance.

[dewaynep]

You won't have a problem with the boots. The biggest issue you have to deal with is getting the spring swapped over to the new strut. If you don't have the proper spring compressor you may want to take them to a shop that has a wall mounted strut spring compressor and pay them to swap the stuff over. If you don't want to do that, make sure you use the highest quality strut spring compressor you can get your hands on. The clamshell type are the best. The type that attach to the spring on opposite sides can break and cause a lot of damage to you. There is a lot of potential energy stored up in the springs. Also, make sure you pay attention to the orientation of the spring, isolators and the strut bearing. I believe (my memory isn't the greatest and I've done quite a few struts) the mount bearing is at an angle that is specific to the spring location.