I decided to put some new shocks and struts on today. I've never done this before but it didn't seem too tough.

Removing the strut housing was easy, as was getting that nut off the top... but, getting the original strut out was a real pain in the ***. I had to clamp the housing with three vices and beat on a pipe wrench with a small sledge to get that locking nut off. The original strut didn't come out, however. To get it out I had to put the top nut back on and hit it with the hammer. This brought the strut rod and case out, but, I can't really tell if the entire bottom of it came out. The "bottom peice" that did come out has a hole in the middle on the top, with six spokes radiating out, evenly spaced. The bottom of it has 8 things sticking out around the rim and is recessed in the center. Is this the bottom of the strut?

I am asking because my tokico shocks came with a replacement locking nut and two spacer washers, but if I use the spacer washers, I can't screw in the nut. Is something stuck down there? Did you guys use both, one, or none of those washers?

Thanks in advance.

 

i didnt use the spacers. if you read the instructions it tell you the clearance alowed. and there only there if you need them. i did have to sand the paint of the top of the strut to get the nut down snug though.