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suspension problem after install, please help!

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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:08 PM
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Default suspension problem after install, please help!

hey guys, i just finished installing my stranos and koni 4/4s, but i have a problem. when i pulled the car out of the driveway i can hear a little clunk in the front when i come to a stop. I think its that i didnt tighten the top of the shock enough when the spring compressors were on. i only tightened them so there was five threads above the nut ( thats how the stock ones were when i took them off). Do you think this is the problem? when the spring are clamped with the spring compressors, how do you know how much to tight the top of the shock? please help guys, i want to try to fix this in the morning!
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:13 PM
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i did the same. also forgot the isolator plate that goes in between the upper mount and the strut tower..
i used a deep socket and air gun and i put it down as far as it would go.. the second time.. haven't had a problem yet..
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:16 PM
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lol i didnt put the lower plate on the first time, had to take it all apart. i hate the spring compressors btw!!!! so you think i should compress the spring all the way so the nut can tighten down all the way? thanks for the reply!!!
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 1BADTALS1
i did the same. also forgot the isolator plate that goes in between the upper mount and the strut tower..
i used a deep socket and air gun and i put it down as far as it would go.. the second time.. haven't had a problem yet..
also, did you use the big fender type washers that came with the front shocks? or do our cars not need them....
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:44 PM
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the big flat washer? that goes on the strut itself. between the strut and the strut tops
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by ThoR294
the big flat washer? that goes on the strut itself. between the strut and the strut tops
Yes the big flat washer. By strut tops do you mean the rubber piece you take off the old struts?
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 09:51 PM
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you don't have to compress the spring to tighten it just let the air tool do the work.. it will still tighten it down. run the nut down till it stops.. should be good to go.
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 10:21 PM
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i would use air tools if i had them :-(
ill be snugging it up in the morning, thanks guys!
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Old Feb 6, 2010 | 10:53 PM
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Yes, you need the washer - it goes on top of the shock - and tighten it with the spring compressed.
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 1BADTALS1
you don't have to compress the spring to tighten it just let the air tool do the work.. it will still tighten it down. run the nut down till it stops.. should be good to go.
That is WRONG. Tightening the top nut WILL NOT compress the spring and allow the top mount to be fully seated on the shock shaft. You will end up with the clunk sound a lot of people say they have when they don't compress the spring.

And yes, you need the big flat washer. It goes on first, the top mount next, and the isloator inside the mount next.
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 02:07 PM
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got the washers in and the top of the shock tightened! no noises!!! thanks guys!

ps. i compressed the spring and then tightened the top of the shock.
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by 01Blk*SS*
got the washers in and the top of the shock tightened! no noises!!! thanks guys!

ps. i compressed the spring and then tightened the top of the shock.
Cool!

good job doing it the right way. listening to the people saying you don't have to compress the spring will have you doing it twice.
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 06:39 PM
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lol or me not doing it the right way, forgettting to put pieces in, having to do it three times hahahaa
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