J30 front strut replacement procedure

[jons]

Can someone post the procedure for replacing the front struts. I have the AllData manual, but its pretty sketchy with respect to replacing the strut inserts -- something about o-rings and packing material -- but no pictures, and no torque specs for all the suspension bolts. The rears were easy.

Thanks,Jon

[J30inthe sun]

I have to do my rears also.

Is this something I can do myself?

Do I need a spring compressor?

I am somewhat mechanical, I had no problem replacing my rotos & pads all the way around.

[initiald711]

the fronts are harder.havent done them in a while.after removing the whole thing,i took off the spring(with a spring compressor )put it in a vice,then unscrewed the nut and cartridge came out.dont mess with the abs sensor just unplug it.tourqe?pretty tight.

[jons]

Completed this a while ago -- wasn't so bad.Getting the lower ball joint separated looked to be real PITA, so I just left it connected and removed the bolt connecting the arm to the crossmember.

Otherwise, very straightforward. Really have to crank the spring compressor.I replaced the upper strut mounts too, although the old ones weren't that bad at 136K mi.

jls.

[initiald711]

good job.you just saved alot of labor dollars