What special tools does one need to change the shocks and struts on a J30?

[Victor]

And is anything different needed for a J30T with HICAS? I already have a floor jack, two jack stands, a set of ramps, and a pretty good set of wrenches. I also have a cheapo JC Whitney coil spring compressor. Also, would I need a four wheel wheel alignment when done? About how long would it take to do the rear shocks and how long to do the front strut cartridges for someone doing it by themselves for the first time. If I hired a mechanic to do it about how long would it take a pro who had a lift.I looked for a step by step procedure using search but couldn't find any, is there one?

[coolyun_98]

You will need a gland nut socket to remove/instal the nut that hold the strut cartridge in place. This tool is optinal as you can use a pipe wrentch. You may also need a lower control arm seperator.

J's front springs are VERY STRONG. I use 4 coil compressors to compress it fully. 2 cheapo JC Whitney coil spring compressors might not cut it.

The most difficult part of changing the strut will be to remove the lower control arm from the strut assembly (without damaging the rubber cover of the ball joint). The lower control arm is VERY LIKELY stuck to the strut assembly. Also, compressing the coil springs takes time. For first timer, I will say 1~2 days per strut, assuming you have all the parts ready.

As for a pro-mechanics, they can do it in 8hrs.

[J30inthe sun]

As for a pro-mechanics, they can do it in 8hrs.

Are you kidding? I was charged 1 1/2 hours for both the rear struts & 2 1/2 for both front struts.

[coolyun_98]

Good for you. Your pro-mechanics are very good.