vatechguy3

iTrader: (4)

i took the day off work and am trying to install my new strano springs and koni shocks.

i've got both sides out now, however while trying to disassemble the spring/shock from the mount, i found the pass side nut corroded and rounded off. so there is no easy way to disassemble that side. the driver side is also corroded, but the nut is visible and i can get a 15mm socket onto it. i can put a 14mm socket on the pass side and it still spins.

so, i'm looking to purchase a new mount assembly for the pass side.

has anyone tried to autozone variety, or should i just go to gmparts direct??

cost:
$172 from the dealer
$102 gm parts direct
$50 autozone

thanks
tony

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

I have Monroe mounts for $80 each, I've never had a problem with them. Can't imagine what the $50 AZ ones are. They might be ok, but the rubber in them in important, if it's soft the shock moves up down a bit instead of moving the shock rod. GMpartsdirect are GM, but their freight is very high to offset the cheap cost.

BandDirector Blk98ZM6

iTrader: (21)

I did a spring/shock swap this weekend and ran into the same problem. We ended up using a sawz-all to cut between the splash guard on the shock and the upper mount. Of course we had a spring compressor installed already before we cut, but we had to do that to both of my front assemblies to get the mounts off.

We were VERY carful and didn't damage the mount, and there was a little damage to the top of the splash guard, but no biggie.

billybadd

iTrader: (21)

We used the KYG brand on a buddies car and they worked just fine. Youll have to use the stock spacer under the nut though.

robertbartsch

..don't give up yet.... soak with liquid wrench a few times, heat with a heat gun for a few heat cycles and use a couple of BIG vice grips and spring compressors..... eventually the nuts will come off...

put one vice grip on the shock (rod) between the springs.... and the other, if possible, on the rusted nut...

if that does not work, try splitting the nut with a cutting wheel....

use safty glasses and spring compresors at all times...

hpjunky98

iTrader: (3)

That damn nut took me 3 hours to remove. The rest of the install is alot easier... good luck with it man.

Viper

iTrader: (6)

Good luck, I had to cut mine up to get it apart. Bought new GM.

dgmiller

iTrader: (1)

I had to chisel the nuts off the shafts on mine. When you put them back together use antisieze on the nuts and seal the riubber mount to the innner fender wall with RTV to prevent water from getting in there. I did mine two years ago and when I was back in there the next year to change the lower bushings they came apart easily.

vatechguy3

iTrader: (4)

i got the driver's side apart with minimal effort, even though its rusted and the rubber looks pretty bad.

the pass side is another story. its still rusted and the nut has been mostly corroded away. i tried cutting it off with no luck.

finally decided to order new mounts from sam. they should be here before the weekend, so i'll be able to finish the install then.

thanks for the help and suggestions guys!!

tony

Z8'S

iTrader: (6)

I just picked up a pair of these from Autozone $47.99 ea and am very pleased with the quality, cannot tell them from original. They are made by Gabriel well worth the money.

TheLS1Kid

iTrader: (12)

I hear ya on the rusted bolts. Both of my fronts were complete ****.

I had to use an air cut-off wheel to take the nut off.