ok, so theres an -se at the local junkyard, and i plan on getting the rear end. but my question lies in the front. to swap the spindles, do i have to get the strut assembly as well? or is the strut tube the same, just swap the spindle/rotor/caliper combo?

 

The strut tubes are the same for all 84-85 RX-7s, so you just need the calipers, backing plate, rotors, etc. But you may find it easier just to get the whole spindle.

fm

 

Yea, its easier to get the whole thing. four bolts at the top and two at the bottom, disconnect the brake line and your done.

 

The strut tube and the spindle are an assembly. You can't separate them.

As stated above, the best choice is to undo: the top 4 strut bolts, the sway bar end link and stay rod from the control arm, and the brake line. Once you do this, you can just step on the control arm and pull the whole assembly out.

You will need special tools, a spring compressor, to safely remove the spring and shock. trying to do so without it will be difficult and very unsupporting of your health and anyone around you when you try. Meaning, don't do it. Rent the tool for free from an auto parts store.

 

At the junkyard, you can remove the spindle without a spring compressor. Remove the 2 17mm LCA bolts and the strut tube gland nut. Wedge a long pry bar or similar against the frame and LCA. Step on the pry bar to release the spring pressure. Dont forget to use your common sense for safety concerns.

 

I use a floor jack supported under the LCA and slowly lower the jack.

 

Sorry. I forgot to mention that mine is a 82. I know the bearing size is the same on 84-85 models. But is the strut cartridge itself interchangeable from 82 to 85? I have KYB struts and would like to use them instead of having to buy new ones lol

 

Cartridges are the same. The only difference is '79-80 are different length.

30 years ago the GSL-SE had different valving in the struts. Today it makes no difference since the OEM stuff has varying degrees of wear and new inserts are not model-specific. Plus the only reason for the change was to help control the chassis with the relatively sticky tires that they installed at the factory.

 

So, I could get the steut tube and use my springs and strut cartridges?

 

Sure thing.

 

Have your current strut's been converted from factory setup to cartridges inserts?

 

i would assume so, they are KYB's. i dont think it came factory with KYB struts? i thought the cartridge was the factory design.