98celica3

#1

i bought the rear gr-2 struts and am looking for the front. i was wondering how difficult it was to interchange the stock strut with the kyb gr-2 cartridge. or, where could i find some koni front struts. thanks
adam

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MISS THE CELI, BUT...

macavely

#2

the hardst part is removing the nut that hold the insert in the strut housing... the KYB the Koni and the OEM toyota insert all fit fine with no problem... i'll post a pic of how the fit later tonight..

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[TeamNJCT

macavely

#3

oh yea you can get both the KYB and the Koni from TireRack.com.. they have the best prices i have seen ..

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[TeamNJCT

BEEFSTEW800

#4

its not hard at all. i think it only took me 10 mins to change them once i had them off the car. you just unscrew a nut, then the old insert comes out and you put the new one in and tighten the nut.

turboinduction

#5

Basically to ellaborate on what the others said...

1. take out the old strut and the spring (under compression)
2. place strut in a vice clamp and secure (to get the nut off)
EDIT 2: Also...tilt the top of the strut up a little, otherwise it might get messy ... a 30/45 degree angle is fine
3. use an adjustable wrench and break the nut lose
4. let the yucky stuff spill out somewhere
5. install your new strut, and use the new nut that came with it
6. go drink something

macavely

#6

here are some pics.. oncer you take the sturt off and remover the spring, undo this nut



oncer you have it off


pull out the old insert and replace it with the new one.. and if you have the original ones still in what out for the oil..

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[TeamNJCT

TTE

#7

Mac, did you replace front also if yes did you have to cut it or was it direct replacement

macavely

#8

-TTE+Aug 25, 2004 - 4:45 PM

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[TeamNJCT

celicaboston1983

#9

1. take out the old strut and the spring (under compression)

what do u mean when u said under compression? thinking about changing struts too

Supersprynt

#10

Means if u arent careful it'll shoot out and kill innocent kittens.

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presure2

#11

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Former Team 5SFTE pro member ;)13.6@108MPH, 5SFTE Powered

turboinduction

#12

-presure2+Aug 26, 2004 - 11:33 AM

celicaboston1983

#13

do i need a torque wrench for any of this?

mr_dude

#14

You most certainly do. Preferably one that goes up to 150 lb-ft. Check out my site (linked below), it has some info on the procedure.
I also recommend a pipe wrench for the strut inserts. For me a vice didn't do the trick.

Other things... you may want a file and some paint to kill any rust you run across. High temp bearing grease is a must. Strut boots may be necessary if yours are in bad shape.

Be prepared for needing to order a part if you discover something broken.

edit: If you don't have the torques, I recommend getting a Chilton's. Well worth the money. If not, pm me and I'll send 'em to you.

This post has been edited by mr_dude: Aug 26, 2004 - 2:12 PM

turboinduction

#15

-mr_dude+Aug 26, 2004 - 2:11 PM

celicaboston1983

#16

i didnt know a torque wrench was that important just thought as long as i bolt that **** back up it be ok

mr_dude

#17

Most of the time that will work.
Some of the time that will break things. Not all nuts can take the beating you give >>
Some of the time you're under torque even though you're pushing as hard as you can. The rear suspension knuckle for example. That can cause things to fall apart down the road when you've forgotten about it.

Borrow a torque wrench. Or buy one, they're neat.

edit: thanks turbo!

This post has been edited by mr_dude: Aug 26, 2004 - 2:50 PM

celicaboston1983

#18

Im thinking about borrowing torque wrench. Im thinking of changing my bros rear struts and need to buy tools any suggestions besides torque wrench. Like a 120 or 150 pc craftsman tool set. thanks

mr_dude

#19

Impact wrenches are the greatest things on earth. Way better than candy corn.

celicaboston1983

#20

-mr_dude+Aug 26, 2004 - 7:55 PM

mr_dude

#21

Those drill-looking things that they used to put on and remove wheels (autoshops, nascar, etc). Make a cool whirring sound.

Air powered, provide a series of short impacts to put on or remove a nut. Saved my ass from having to cut and reorder a strut insert... don't ask.

celicaboston1983

#22

yea those are cool and saves time

turboinduction

#23

Air tools. You do need them for this project. Its almost impossible to get those 2 large bolts on the steering knuckle off without an impact wrench. Just a little FYI for you Do-It-Yourself'ers. In fact, dont get scared if you dont have this tool. If you doing this type of project, I'm sure you'll need to just an air tool again. Its not a bad idea to go purchase one from a tool store (not walmart.) >> Again good luck guys.

mr_dude

#24

Nah, I just stuck the wrench into the ground and eased the car off the jacks. The weight of it turned the wrench and loosened the bolt.
Just kidding, but I did get it off with the help of a friend and ratchet extension.

98celica3

#25

-macavely+Aug 24, 2004 - 12:50 PM

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MISS THE CELI, BUT...

macavely

#26

no they are not the OEM ones they are KYB"S ... the stock ones are black and a lot tinner then that..

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[TeamNJCT

turboinduction

#27

-macavely+Aug 31, 2004 - 7:11 AM

TTE

#28

I see that mine front struts were different, they didnt have that nut only a cap . I think Toyota changed struts on later models.

coustoe

#29

guys, do the kybs lower the car any from stock?

racingmcfly

#30

Anyone know or has removed the standard kyb cartridge from the Superstrut Setup, Ive heard it cant be done but it looks very similar to the pics here!