Replacing Front Struts 2000 T and C AWD

[jolleyi]

I have just purchased new struts, (need to remove and switch the springs). Does anyone on the forum have any tips about this job. I have read up in Haynes and it seem pretty straightforward, however I see that there is a rubber membrane(?) between the bottom of the spring and the strut flange. These were not provided with the Gabriel struts I purchased, nor are they mentioned in Haynes.
Since my van has done 160k I think it would be best to replace any rubber parts. Does anyone know the name of this part so i can buy it?
Any advice appreciated.
thanks
Ian
ps waiting for the snow to melt before i start the job

[jamesslcx]

I think I've heard the rubber pieces referred to by some as insulators, whether that is the actual name I can't recall. Just be safe and cautious and you should be fine with this job, good luck.

[jolleyi]

As it turns out i did not need to replace the hardware at top and bottom of the spring, they were in great shape even after 160k miles.
Replacement was pretty straightforward.
Only suggestion i would make on the spring switch is to be careful positioning the bearing, and make sure it is in the correct position before releasing tension on the spring.
I did need to get cam bolts for the lower strut to hub bolt, even though these were not an original requirement on the 2000 model. The strut has been rationalized, (by gabriel and munroe) and has the elongated hole at the bottom location rather than a circular hole. The cam bolt is needed to adjust camber when realigning. They are available at O'Reilly and Napa, although i would recommend the former as the guys at Napa screwed up the order and then seemed to forget the idea of customer service!
Ian

[jamesslcx]

Thanks for the tips!