Removing OEM Cartridge From Front Strut

[VaLiD_Mir]

Sup guys, I've been searching the forums for a while. I've picked up some amazing nuggets of information which I really appreciate.
My question is - How exactly does one remove the OEM shock cartridge from the strut tube?

I've seen pix of aftermarket shocks inserted into OEM strut tubes with fabricated bushings however the closest I've gotten to cartridge removal is someone mentioning using a chisel and hammer.

Can anyone offer available options to pry that old bugger of a cartridge from my strut tube's cold metal clutches?

I've read in full thread's like
Consider this before strut replacement post6342867.html?hilit=strut%20cartridge#p6342867
New struts for $40!!!!!! forums.nicoclub.com/new-struts-for-40-t500487.htm
Re: Help!!! Need Struts!!! forums.nicoclub.com/post6162851.html?hilit=1994 J30 front struts#p6162851
Any many more

Thanks in advance

[J30tChumpCar]

After removing the spring all it takes is a big pipe wrench or giant channel lock pliers to unscrew the top cap where the old guts just pull out... watch the oil.
Saying that
I race on the stock struts, found a used cap that did not leak, changed the worn out watery oil with motorcycle fork oil and reassembled.

[VaLiD_Mir]

I bought these for the rears http://www.ebay.com/itm/261290441140?ss ... 1439.l2649 Monroe 71209
And these for the fronts http://www.ebay.com/itm/310275281306?ss ... 1439.l2649 KYB 365056

I attempted to have the KYBs installed in the fronts however the OEM strut cartridge appeared to be bolted on or soddered this is why I wanted to know if it was safe to use a hammer and chisel.

I will use a pipe wrench or channel lock to remove that OEM cartridge however now I'm debating whether or not the Energy Bushings are absolutely necessary, I will look over some threads to confirm... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Energy-Suspensi ... ef&vxp=mtr

[J30tChumpCar]

Are you trying to separate the strut from spindle with the chisel?

[VaLiD_Mir]

Plan B, I got lucky and received a callback from a local Nissan Z Specialist in Forest Park, GA just 15 mins from me & Summit Racing.
After we spoke for while about his VH45DE (Q45 Engine) 300ZX swap I had the impression that he wouldn't be interested in doing a simple strut job however he offered to help me with my struts and then some lol.

*** Here are some pix of my fronts & rears, I ordered a pair of KYB SB108 Strut Boots & Bump Stoppers they should arrive by next Thursday.



I plan on installing the fronts tomorrow and the rears next week along with brakes.

[andre1038]

Any update on how the fronts worked?

[VaLiD_Mir]

Sorry for the late post guys, I just finished moving and my internet has just been installed. Now that I'm back online here is my update.

The guys at Automotive Extreme did an incredible job, they went above and beyond the call.
The KYB inserts work like a charm, it rides better than new! however I can feel the back struts causing trouble... I will install the rears in a few weeks along with an Energy Suspension Master Kit for 300ZX.

I noticed better braking, no more bottoming out on minor bumps, better acceleration and more comfort during 80-90mph ( also because of wheel alignment)



P1180024 by VaLiD_MiR, on Flickr

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[VaLiD_Mir]

In the previous post I showed the Carving bit used to drill the ID along with the actually carving taking place as well as the ID after it's been widened.

At 1st the guys @ Automotive Extreme (Slim & his son) used a cutting bit but that took over an hour to complete so I bought a carving bit as requested which did the job in about 15-30 mins.

I also loaded a pic of the driver side strut tube to show lack of oil, which was part of the reason why I had a crappy ride.

I used the strut boot & bump stopper that came with the Monroe rears on the front and will be using KYB SB108 strut boots on the rears. I believe these are polyurethanes.

Here is a pic of Automotive Extreme's 450z, I was told this was the 1st 450Z car ever.... this conversion was done over 10+ years ago... I was lucky to have legends work on my car, a steal at any price... to see and hear this baby coming towards you is something I can't really describe...

450Z by Automotive Xtreme by VaLiD_MiR, on Flickr

Right now 2/13/14 there's a snow storm emergency here in ATL, once that's over I will install the rear struts... then install a WeaponR Secret Weapon Cold air intake. I aim to do a true dual intake like Swimshark has but I'm still learning about dual MAF sensor mod and so on...
There's a looooong list of thing's I'd like to do I'll just post em as I go along...

[VaLiD_Mir]

After driving with the Monroes rear struts installed for about a week I've come to the conclusion that Monroe 71209's are NOT compatible the the 94' J30s. The ride quality on streets is worse than my OEM rear struts @260,000+ miles. Very bumpy and jerky ride, I find my self jumping out of my seat having the seat belt grip me on certain bumps. I feel these struts can't properly handle the weight of the car.

Now highway driving on the other hand... whoa! yeah... it's still rough but I feel like I'm driving much closer to the ground, that feeling is undeniable. I drove @ 105 mph with slight discomfort as opposed to the frightening sensation of impending doom @ 85 mph on my OEM struts & bad wheel allignment. 90 mph is nearly easy & 100+ is slightly uncomfortable.. I'm more peeved at the exhaust sound than the drive at this level.

It could also mean that my Monroes we faulty as they both didn't return to normal strut height when I pushed them down. Pushing my OEM struts were much harder compared to the Monroes which went down pretty easily.

I plan on getting KYB struts for rears or maybe get a full set of struts & coils used on Q45s.... still planning...


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[Niti QX4]

Old thread revival - any updates?

[Niti QX4]

Plan B, I got lucky and received a callback from a local Nissan Z Specialist in Forest Park, GA just 15 mins from me & Summit Racing.
After we spoke for while about his VH45DE (Q45 Engine) 300ZX swap I had the impression that he wouldn't be interested in doing a simple strut job however he offered to help me with my struts and then some lol.

*** Here are some pix of my fronts & rears, I ordered a pair of KYB SB108 Strut Boots & Bump Stoppers they should arrive by next Thursday.



I plan on installing the fronts tomorrow and the rears next week along with brakes.

Picture links don't seem to work?