I plan to install my new Tokico d specs this Friday. Any suggestions or problems I may run into? I plan to get a spring compressor and I have all the sockets necessary. I also assume to reuse the stock strut mounts since my kit didn't come with any. Is there anything else I am forgetting? It's my first time and I am just trying to avoid an idiot mistake. Thanks.
"If you aren't shifting, then you certainly aren't driving!"
not really, just have your manual from the store handy, or remember the website bradiscool.com
Hey Silvercav02, I installed my d-specs a little over a month ago, and it was basically a walk in the park. But, i would suggest having a cutoff tool handy because you are going to need the flared/unthreaded section of the stock shaft nut, or go to the local hardware store and pick up about 6 or so hardened washers, three for each side. The nut that is supplied with the struts does not have that extra flared section that the stock shaft nut has, and the Tokico shaft has a different thread than the stock shaft so there is no way to use the stock nut. But you will only need to do this with the front. The rears were fine. The AGX struts have the same problem from what i've heard and read.
Ok I ran into a snag. I got the whole deal installed, but I seem to failed to tighten the upper strut nut securely. I did go and buy the washers as Cracker Rocket suggested, but I could not tell if I needed them since it was hard to see in there so I left them off. Now I am not so sure it was the right thing to do, but the 1/2" washers I bought are too large to fit into the bottom of the whole. The Tokico instructions say NOT to use an impact wrench, but how else do you tighten strut nuts that spin on the shaft??? Help!
"If you aren't shifting, then you certainly aren't driving!"
I didn't have to use an impact wrench to tighten the top nut. I have a 1/2" drive torque wrench that I used, and it worked just fine. Don't try to torque them down until they are on the car and car is on the ground. I would suggest trying to find some washers that will fit over the shaft and inside the hole. Its not safe driving around with that much play in the suspension. I really don't know what else to tell you.
So how did you get it to tighten without spinning the shaft? I am trying to tighten it while assembled to the car on the ground. Oh and do you recall what size washers you used? As before, I got standard 1/2" washers. Thanks.
"If you aren't shifting, then you certainly aren't driving!"
The nut can be tightened up with two open end wrenches. Any books and directions should tell you how.
Go to a hardware store and get thin washers. Any good hardware store should have what you need.
I now can explain better. I did try to tighten them down with the wheels on the ground. It appeared I did not need the washers. Then later I realized that the nuts were not seated all the way down. Now my problem is that one of the nuts will not come out. I can not loosen it because the piston rod is turning with it. I do not want to pinch the shaft with vice grips and loosen that way, and supposedly I can't use an impact. Please help!...I am currently looking for smaller washers that fit the hole of the strut mount. Thanks for helping me out guys!
"If you aren't shifting, then you certainly aren't driving!"
I got them FINALLY!!! No clue how they finally "grabbed" to tighten, but they are now on and working fine! Thanks to all for the input.
"If you aren't shifting, then you certainly aren't driving!"
