Ok, my front struts are TOTALLY shot, and need to be replaced. I ordered some KYB's from tirerack (part number 363010), and when I brought the car to (slap me, i know) PepBoys to have them put on the struts, they told me they didn't fit.

Needless to say, I went out to see what was up, and to the best of my abilities, they do not fit. Maybe it's me... maybe it's not.

My question is: What strut fits an 83 gsl? I'm on a tight budget, and can't afford much. Do these struts I have fit, but need some "convincing"?? Or, did I get the wrong part, and need to send em back???

Any help is appreciated, short of telling me to do it myself. I would, but I don't have the tools or time right now. Thanks....

 

First thing I would do is contact Tire Rack to makes sure you received the correct parts. Verify the part number on the box AND the part itself.

Next, most garages prefer not to install parts not purchased through them as they don't make profit on the parts themselves and won't guarantee fit, etc. Manny, Mo, and Jack maybe just didn't want to mess with it.

Finally, KYB does make a decent cheap replacement strut insert. If you did receive the correct part, in what way does it not fit? Is it too long to fit in the strut housing or what? I am not familiar with KYB's, but most replacement strut cartridges have a stub on the bottom you cut down to to fit in the strut housing.

 

Ok, then i guess my question would now be this...

Has anyone ever installed a KYB GR-2 strut? If so, was any modification needed? And the KYB part number, was it 363010? Yes, the part number matches the ordered part, and the shipped part. I spoke with a customer service rep, and she told me that the only information she had on the strut, was that it would only fit non gsl-se's (i have gsl)

So, i'm waiting on a call back from the parts/service guy at tirerack (should be tomorrow)

Thanks

 

They should fit then. Only the GSL-SE had a different suspension. The rest had a 12a engine and the same suspension components.

 

I don't know your mechanical ability but if you're looking to save money drop them in yourself. You'll know exactly why they do or don't work then. I did a coil over conversion last month on mine. Wasn't too difficult. Hardest thing was getting enough grip on the strut shaft to take the nut off the top. Everything was pretty straight forward for tear down and installation.
Oh, ya. You'll need to get either a 51 mm wrench (good luck) or a very large adjustable end wrench. 15 inch minimum. It's for the nut that retains the strut insert in the tube. Big sucker and no way to get a socket on it.

 

I put that there in a pre-emptive response to your question...

i just need to know, beyond doubt, that these GR2's are the correct struts. When I do know, I'm going back to PepBoys and having them try to put it on again...

Come on guys... with this many RX-er's here, I'd imagine at least ONE of you has used the KYB GR-2 strut insert.... Anyone? (echo... echo)

 

'79-80 strut housings were different, and the strut inserts do not interchange.

Another wonderful difference between SA and FB.

 

Sorry. Obviously didn't remember you didn't want to do it yourself when I replied. That's the problem with reading so amny posts, you forget the details.

 

Situation is resolved. Took the car back, and had another technician take care of it. Turns out the guy who did it in the first place was just looking to get off from work... ***

Anyhow, so now I have to replace the Idler arm because it's worn out... or should I just go for the bushing?

I'll start a new thread, since not many people seem to be paying any attention to this one... lol

 

the bushing is all you need to replace. only costs like 10 bucks at any parts store and you can do it yourself because its realllllly easy and takes like 10 minutes if youre slow that is