Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Ok I just got my 4/4s in the mail. they look good except the ends were sticking out of the box and I'm hoping they aren't damaged. Questions I have are:

Can anyone tell me what tools I need? I don't want to have this sucker apart after hours and then need a special tool or something for the job. I am thinking a spring compressor and a ball joint remover. Anything else?? I'l be doing it during the day so when I get the struts on there now off the car I plan to head to Canadian Tire (pepboys) and have them r/r the springs for me.

Also how are these adjusted? There is no tool but looks like there is a slot for one on the fronts and the rear have a little nipple on top ???

Any input is appreciated !!! Planning to do this tomorrow morning before work. They're going in with Ground control coil overs.

Here's the pics:

Box on arrival..looks like the rears are adjusted here just hope the box never landed on this side much in shipping..


Here's the shocks:

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

This should help a lot

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Thanks for the link !!

ANyone know what people talk about with the front koni struts having 2 spring locations? I always hear people talk about using the lower spring mount... I have no clue where this is done by looking at it. there is a rubber spring cushion that rests inside is this removed to have the spring sit 1/2 inch lower?

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

How are the rears adjustable? is it the little yellow nut??

TrakJunky

iTrader: (4)

^^ theres a round plastic removable **** that fits over the end of the rear shock while its on the car.

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Ok clearly I wasn't sent either this **** or the front wrench to adjust either front or rears. I'll ask the guy I purchased them from. Is there any other way to adjust them without it?

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

There's no "wrench" for the front and rear from the factory, just that white ****. You don't really need the ****, just makes it easier and lets you know if you're loosening or tightening the adjuster. If you know the direction, shown by the pic, you can probably just use a vice grips.

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Thanks for that pic !! My question now is does it turn the nut or the little tip on the top of the shock to firm/soften the shock? ANy pics of the backside?

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

also, if there is no wrench for the front how is it adjusted? do I stick a fork in there and turn???

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

the little tip, I don't actually have any of my own pics, but it's the very top of the shock

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Ok awesome thats what I needed to hear. So the nut holds it still and the tip is rotated etc. Not too happy now that they were sticking out of the box during shipping. makes me wonder how many times the tips smacked floor.

WHat about the fronts? how are they adjusted??

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

An Allen wrench is used to adjust it. It just fits in there and you push it forward or ar backward not twist it.... 2.5mm IIRC but it has been 2+ years since I adjusted mine so I could be wrong.....

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Forgive me for being an idiot. I haven't looked at the shocks since they arrived as im @ work. But from the pic I took, I just cant figure out how an allen wrench adjusts it. There is a slot, and inside there are tiny holes. Looked to me like a special wrench that would fit into the holes would let me turn it but I'm clueless now. Care to elaborate? thanks !!

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

let me guess those arent circles but allen wrench holes?

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

dont forget.......you DONT have to pull the carpet all the way back to reach the rear shock nuts.......THIER is a factory cutout to reach those nuts

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Thanks ! i do plan to look for those to make sure future adjustment is easy as well. I'll be tackling this tomorrow and I'll be taking tons of pics along the way if I remember to.

joecar

The special tool is something long that fits in that tiny hole in the slot... a long thin (2.5mm?) allen wrench works... like was said above, you use it to lever (not to twist).

Edit: I borrowed your pic and annotated.

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

Wel WTF im stuck. I asked around but nobody could tell me what exactly needed to be done. Called Ground control and props to customer service. Super fast and accurate I now know what i need to do. I need to try and get this Koni apart for now so the install wont even begin before I go into work today but here's some pics for you guys.

Heres the Konis and Ground control setup:


Here's the issue:


Here's what needs to come apart OR the top hat needs to be ground with a lathe so the sleeve can slide down the Koni.


Ah well **** Least i can get this stuff setup so I can begin to take the car apart tomorrow.

TrakJunky

iTrader: (4)

I have this setup on my car so heres your answer...

Contact alan blaine at

www.blainefabrication.com

he makes a special tool to take the koni top hat off.. i think its 40 bucks plus shipping

Or you can fab one up yourself.. you need about an 18 inch long, 3/4 inch mild steel pipe. a grinder.. and a socket thats the correct size for the nut under the tophat. oh and a welder.

basically you have to cut out a portion of the socket just big enough to fit over the shock shaft. and weld the pipe to to closed side of the socket at an angle. and than you have a koni tophat tool.

Nastyc4

iTrader: (13)

I ended up Getting it off. Stopped by a small mechanic shoppe and he was kind enough to get it off cleanly and within 20 seconds all for a coffee for him and his employees


Here's where I am now, install will go forward tomorrow morning !!