Struts and Shocks

[birgit]

Hubby wants to change the struts and shocks on my '89 supra, does anyone have a link to a site that explains how to do it...he does all the repairs on out vehicles and is really good at it, we just want to double check to be sure its done correct, we've already ordered the Haynes Repair Manual but it might not be here for a while and i want it fixed ASAP since they are pretty bad Thanks a ton

[flyinMKIV]

It's not to hard, simply take the tires off and suspend the brake calipers with a coat hanger or bungee cord. After that, pop the hood and un-bolt the bolts on the top of the struts. After that, un-bolt and knock the lower joints out from the lower part of the strut, replace the strut and visa versa those steps four times. I might be missing a couple of things in that list cause it's not right in front of me but that's basically the steps needed to take to replace the struts. Make sure the springs are in place as well. If it is to lower the car, it will take an hour to 2 hours for the springs to actually settle so you won't see a change quite yet. Good luck.

[projectsupramk3]

I feel compelled to reply to this one for some reason. You do not have to take the calipers off, you do not have to take the strut cap off. The only thing you have to move is the upper A-arms in the front, simply remove the long bolt and twist the arm off to the side. It's very simple and straight foward after that. Also if you didn't know already you will need a set of spring compressors.

[flyinMKIV]

I would go with projects advise on that one, I don't know too much about the mkiii. So far he's really the only one I've seen on here for quite some time now who knows his stuff.

[projectsupramk3]

Thanks for the kind words man. Another tip I forgot to mention is that you do not have to take out the plastic wheel well. Just slide the long bolt between the plastic and the frame rail to pull it out of the A-arm.

[flyinMKIV]

I'm starting to wish I had a mkiv, I have to take all that shit out to change mine

[birgit]

Thanks for all the help and advice. You Guys Rock We will change the shocks and trust this Weekend, i'll let you know how it went. Thanks a ton

[projectsupramk3]

One other small thing, just so you don't keep calling them that. Our cars have dual A-arms so we do not have struts. We use shocks and springs, a strut is often short for Mcpherson strut which is an integral part of a single A-arm suspension where the strut angle determines camber and caster.