TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Jul 26, 2004 7:44 pm

Hi, My front shocks are pretty worn, A piece fell off today while I was looking at them. I want to replace them but I don't want to lower my car, or anything fancy. I just want a nice new pr. of struts & springs that will fit perfectly and perhaps improve handling. I know topline has the Maxx struts, but I can't afford 450$ when I'm not even going to lower it. Anyone got any advice?

Thanks,
Megs
YellowBeetleSB@yahoo.com

Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:06 pm

Check out Koni or KYB strut inserts, you can probably get both for under $100 and their quality is without question. Unless you have the equipment, have them professionally installed.

-jeffrey

Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:55 pm

Go to www.busdepot.com -- you can get two new Boge strut inserts and new bump stops for ~$60.

Get good spring compressing tools, too.

Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:17 pm

I replaced struts myself on a '73 SB ... difficult job
had to fabricate a tool to remove the nut...used a nut-cracker cranked down on a socket with a breaker bar to allow access to the allen head(thru the socket)contact me if you want more details
next time I would use 3 compressors per spring instead of 2
btw ... I am NOT a mechanic

Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:31 pm

Rick73Super wrote: I replaced struts myself on a '73 SB ... difficult job
had to fabricate a tool to remove the nut...used a nut-cracker cranked down on a socket with a breaker bar to allow access to the allen head(thru the socket)

Two ways to attack this:

Best -- powered impact wrench. It comes right off without an allen wrench. Borrow/buy one.
Good -- offset box end wrench and allen wrench. You can get this at any good tool place (not Kragen/Schucks/JCWhitney)

It is a tough job, but very rewarding since your car will drive like a million bucks. Sure beats a beam front end... :p

Additionat tips:
Put the spring compressors on while the weight of the car is on the wheel. Don't throw anything out. Do ONE side at a time. First side will take forever, second will be a snap.

Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:08 pm

YellowBeetleSB,
If you want to improve the handling, consider going with some sport springs. Since you'll have the strut apart anyway...
The springs are a little shorter, but I don't think they'll lower the front end too drastically. Maybe an inch or two. Now's your chance to replace any worn out bushings/ball joints.