Hey guys, working on replacing the front struts and ordered KYBs from Ebay. The Ebay units look like shocks. My struts look like this and I am not sure that they break down any further... Do I need to replace the entire assembly pictured or does this break down further to accept the cartridge from Ebay? I see the big "nut" thing at the top of the shock so may be that's it.
Thanks

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You will take off the big nut on the top, take out the piston and oil and replace it with the cartridge.

 

yep . the big nut thing at the top comes off, and the shock will slide out. i just did this maybe two months ago.

 

Also you will probably find that the replacement cartridge will require a spacer because it is about 1/2 inch too short. The SAs struts are longer than the FBs and I don't think the KYBs come in the SA length, (most places sell the FB struts to all 1st gens) so you will need to insert a spacer in the bottom of the strut to eliminate free play that will cause noise with every motion of the suspension. I cannot recall the dimensions of the spacer,so do a search, there are several threads on here on the subject

 

Thanks guys.. Turns out after I analyzed the new parts and the old parts, I figured it out. It took a bit of banging and lubricating to remove the nut but I got it. Nothing like working against 34 years of dirt and crud.

Thanks for the spacer advice, I'll look it up.

 

KYB does still make an SA-length cartridge. Have them in my car. One of the few makers still supplying them.

 

Thanks... Mine are part number 363010

 

FYI - the standard oil to go in the strut housing is engine oil grade (clean or dirty, doesn't matter) to allow for heat transfer between the strut cartridge an the strut housing. Without that oil in there, the heat is largely contained in the cartridge and will shorten life somewhat - theoretically.

I've always just put in about 1/2 cup of oil, slide the cartridge in place so the oil runs out the top and then install the top nut. The nut MUST be tight against the top of the cartridge or it will hammer itself to death. Be sure the right spacer is in there. Good luck,