How to make rear coil-overs using factory struts, with pics. (Page 12/49)
Will AUG 02, 02:01 AM

quote
Originally posted by cptsnoopy:

hmmm, is there a .gif for humble, or maybe just stupid? Thanks Will, I get it now. So all I really want is to shave down the large washer enough to support the bumpstop and not touch the spring? I'd throw you another plus if I could...!


You shouldn't need to shave anything. I used the stock bump stops. The only thing I did to them wat remove the strut boots. The bump stops barely fit inside the springs, but they fit without trimming. The stock washers work fine... no need to modify those at all.

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'87 Fiero GT: Low, Sleek, Fast, and Loud
'90 Pontiac 6000 SE AWD: None of the Above

Luck, Fate and Destiny are words used by those who lack the courage to define their own future

cptsnoopy AUG 02, 04:26 AM
Hi Will,

i am going with the spring against the top plate as you have yours.

I was hoping to use the 3" lower washer in the stock location just below the top plate and just above the bump stop. I was thinking (here i go again...) that the curve on the top surface of the washer was designed to fit the bottom of the top plate in such a way as to allow the rubber to move a little. if the movement is too great then the metal of the washer would contact the top plate and that would be the limit. since the washer looked like it was supposed to support the bump stop on the lower surface i had hoped to retain that function. i was thinking of turning it down to approx 2.125" to 2.25" in order for it to fit inside the coilover. anyway that is what i meant when i said shave the lower washer. are you just using the metal cup in the bump stop for the lower washer?

Will AUG 02, 01:28 PM
I don't recall having any difficulty fitting the washer back into my spring. I do recall that it was quite snug, but it would go in. I had the washer sand blasted and powder coated, which may have had a slight effect.

Yes, the washers are there to limit motion of the bushing. Using that bushing and the washers may have simply been the easiest and least expensive way for GM to incorporate a pivot at that point. It would be interesting to replace it with a large rod-end and see if there ended up being a difference in subjective handling.

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'87 Fiero GT: Low, Sleek, Fast, and Loud
'90 Pontiac 6000 SE AWD: None of the Above

Luck, Fate and Destiny are words used by those who lack the courage to define their own future

cptsnoopy AUG 02, 09:30 PM
Hi Will,

I am wondering if the larger washers are only on an 88? here is a pic of the washer I have. If the 84-87 have the smaller one that fierohoho posted earlier in this thread then I will swap these into my 86 when I change the struts on it. that way no extra work is done. these large washers are approx 3 3/4" in diameter.
Will AUG 03, 09:06 PM
This is the washer to which I was referring:

The one you have pictured must be an '88 piece. I'd suggest using the early one instead of the one in your picture.

------------------
'87 Fiero GT: Low, Sleek, Fast, and Loud
'90 Pontiac 6000 SE AWD: None of the Above

Luck, Fate and Destiny are words used by those who lack the courage to define their own future

[This message has been edited by Will (edited 08-03-2004).]

cptsnoopy AUG 03, 09:11 PM
Thanks
Jake_Dragon OCT 07, 07:28 AM


quote
Originally posted by Jake_Dragon:
First thing I did was score the weld on the purch side all the way around the strut.
Then I cut the part of the purch that goes around the strut so the large back half could be removed by hitting it with a hammer.
This let the back half of the purch come off the strut and left all the weld on the strut. I then did the same thing to the front of the purch.

Joe Torma OCT 07, 12:53 PM
cptsnoopy, or anyone...can you do me a favor and measure the diameter of that KYB strut tube? I'm wondering if it's the same as Monroes. Thanks
Steven Snyder OCT 12, 10:06 PM

quote
Originally posted by Joe Torma:

cptsnoopy, or anyone...can you do me a favor and measure the diameter of that KYB strut tube? I'm wondering if it's the same as Monroes. Thanks


Hi Joe,

I measured my brand new KYBs before I ordered sleeves from Coleman racing; it was 2.00 +/- .02 inches. I can't remember if it was just under or just over 2. I'm leaning towards just under, though. Thats because I just measured my stock struts and they are like 1.99. I ordered the 2.04 ID sleeves from Coleman. They aren't a tight fit, but after installing and lightly pounding in with a screwdriver the included snap ring at the top (it fits into the end of the sleeve with the larger inner diameter shelf machined into it) they center perfectly and are very snug.
Does that help? If not I'll try to find my notes if they are still around.

-Steven

Joe Torma OCT 15, 02:16 AM
That's what I was looking for. They are the same as the Monroes I have. I'm probably going to start out with the monores(that I have) when I get to doing the air bags setup and just needed to make sure I could step up to the kybs if needed without remkaing the lower bag mount!
Thanks!