) and I'm finding inconsistent info on what is needed to get the fronts done (I've been looking at Xterra and Frontier boards too since they are essentially the same). I see where some have disconnected the ball joint, some where they disconnected the tie rod, and some say it can be done with just unbolting the strut (and sway bar) and working it out of there. What's the truth? Can it be done without unbolting either of these other components or not? Or, does it just make it easier to undo the ball joint?
Front strut replacement procedure question
Moderator: volvite
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triplesnake
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:15 pm
- Location: TX
Front strut replacement procedure question
So, we are getting ready to do shocks and struts on the Pathfinder (Rancho quicklift ) and I'm finding inconsistent info on what is needed to get the fronts done (I've been looking at Xterra and Frontier boards too since they are essentially the same). I see where some have disconnected the ball joint, some where they disconnected the tie rod, and some say it can be done with just unbolting the strut (and sway bar) and working it out of there. What's the truth? Can it be done without unbolting either of these other components or not? Or, does it just make it easier to undo the ball joint?
) and I'm finding inconsistent info on what is needed to get the fronts done (I've been looking at Xterra and Frontier boards too since they are essentially the same). I see where some have disconnected the ball joint, some where they disconnected the tie rod, and some say it can be done with just unbolting the strut (and sway bar) and working it out of there. What's the truth? Can it be done without unbolting either of these other components or not? Or, does it just make it easier to undo the ball joint?I just finished replacing my front struts and only removed the sway bar. I should not though my replacements were monroe quickstruts so I wasn't dealing with any extra height.
I unbolted the top link nut and the removed the bracket on the frame which dropped the sway bar down enough to get a wrench and socket on the lower strut bolt. It took a little maneuvering but the strut came out and went in relatively smooth.
The toughest part was loosening the main lower strut bolt. Its torqued to something like 155 ft-lbs which, without a impact gun was a beast. I did about 3 cycles of heat and PB Blaster on the driver's side before it broke free for me. The passenger only took 1 cycle and loosened.
I unbolted the top link nut and the removed the bracket on the frame which dropped the sway bar down enough to get a wrench and socket on the lower strut bolt. It took a little maneuvering but the strut came out and went in relatively smooth.
The toughest part was loosening the main lower strut bolt. Its torqued to something like 155 ft-lbs which, without a impact gun was a beast. I did about 3 cycles of heat and PB Blaster on the driver's side before it broke free for me. The passenger only took 1 cycle and loosened.
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triplesnake
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:15 pm
- Location: TX
Thanks for the replies. I'll try it first with just disconnecting the swaybar. That should work even with the quick lift since I think the whole assembly is the same size as the stock unit since the ride height increase comes from just the location of the spring perch on the strut. Once I get the spacers for the rear I'll get it done and report back.
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triplesnake
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:15 pm
- Location: TX
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triplesnake
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:15 pm
- Location: TX
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triplesnake
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:15 pm
- Location: TX
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underworld1001
- Posts: 328
- Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2016 9:05 pm
- Location: Austin, TX
I need to do the same with my front ones to level the truck. I've only done the rear with aftermarket "stock" springs and Bilsteins and when I was finished, I noticed that the rear set up higher. Now I have a slight rake to the truck kinda like a dragster and so I need to balance it out.
Quick question, roughly how long did it take to change them out?
Quick question, roughly how long did it take to change them out?
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triplesnake
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:15 pm
- Location: TX
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