QuickStruts and rear springs - write-up and tool list?

[zuluhead]

I'm considering tackling replacing the front struts/springs; Monroe finally makes some QuickStruts for us. While I am at it, just to keep things level, I figured I'd replace the rear springs too (did the rear shocks last year).

For those of you who have done those two jobs, are there any write-ups or words of wisdom you could offer? Are there any special tools I'll need to have on hand. I don't have any air tools, so all of this will be done with hand-powered wrenches and ratchets and my trusty breaker bar.

Thanks

[carl]

I know alot of guys here like Monroe, but IMO they are stiff as hell struts, hard strut mounts and springs... (but they make the best beefy boots and bumper stops in the business and those are the only parts they make that surpass the OEM in the final result...again IMO.

IMO stick with OEM springs, strut mounts and struts, and use Monroe bumpers and boots... unless you dont care how hard the ride is. The quick-strut is very simple, fast, and cheaper and will really harden your suspension from stock. So it depends on the funds you have, the time you want to put into it, and the results you want.

BTW I did post a removal dis-assembly procedure here:

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =8&t=12287

if you decide to go that route. This was back when I was using Monroe parts.

[zuluhead]

Thanks Carl, that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm pretty sure that whatever I put on will be "stiff as hell" since i'm running on all original springs and struts (did the rear air shocks last summer/fall) and I've got 155k miles on them.

Have you done the rear coilsprings too? If I remember right from doing the shocks, I should be able to undo the shocks at the bottom, compress the coilsprings a bit and pull them out. Does that sound about right?

[carl]

Yes I did them a few years back and on a few other H-bodies. Its been awhile but yeah it is easy. If I remember correct I had to also undo the rear tierod to let the control arm drop more. The hardest part though was getting the spring compressor to compress the whole spring because of limited space. You might have to try a few different style spring compressors to make it easy, or shorten them. I used to do this alot on Chevelles alot of years ago.

Worst case, if you cant get enough compression due to limited space, grab a long 3ft breaker bar and wedge it between the widest coil(I used an old fence post last time, it made it very easy), compress the rest of the way and pry out the spring. Stock H-body spring are not thick or wound very tight, and the spring compressors will get most of the spring compressed and loose enough to pry out. Make sure you get the locking tabs engaged on the spring compressors, you do not want the them to break free and unleash the spring esp. if you need to use the breaker bar.

And change out the rubber insulators if they are rotted. The lower ones tend to dry rot from the saltly winters.