We're installing the Strutmaster shocks. Working on the rear. Everything is fine...have the strut bolted in the trunk, but it won't line up so I can install the bolt at the bottom, under the car. I can't push the strut up any higher.

Instructions say we may have to push down on the suspension. I dont' know where or what that means. Thoughts?

 

I don't know the answer but I've added some detail to your thread title to attract the attention of those with relevant knowledge on the suspension.

Graham

 

alyssum: It means pull down firmly on the hub assembly to align the lower bolt hole of the strut to the control arm. You may want to unbolt the top and get the bottom aligned (not bolted) prior to securing the top mount. I sent you an e-mail with a link.

 

Thanks, Marc. Got the rear ones done. Hope to get the front ones finished tomorrow.

 

Got all the shocks installed yesterday. Oddly, one side of the car was easy and exactly like the video. The other was a monster. For example, the instructions said to push down on the suspension to line up/reinstall the bolts. That was not easy! I was standing on the lever to get it low enough to reconnect. Reinstalling everything was hard on one side...other side easy. I'm a little surprised how much higher the car sits. I can't decide if it looks crazy or not. The back is about 1/2" higher than the front which I guess is ok. We called Strutmaster and the measurements are in line with what they said we should expect. I might just be used to having a low car. It rides nice, maybe a little better than the air shocks. It doesn't feel like it floats as much.

Definitely not a job to be afraid of. I would do it again, and I'm a 48 your old woman who's never changed a tire in my life. My husband is a writer with no experience with cars. We got through it. I wish I had known to replace the bushings at the same time. The rears were falling apart in my hand so we'll be replacing those asap.

Anyway, thank you everyone for your help. Much appreciated.

 

I know who to come to now when I get around to replacing mine... You're just round the corner :-)