Should I put the top mount in the fender first, then attempt to put the shock on, or should I assemble it completely like the one on the left and put it in that way?

Also, is there a specific way the top mount is supposed to go in? I noticed one side has a little indentation, is that supposed to be facing a certain way?

 

in here we should also address yhe issue of what way the arrow should be pointing, and address the +/- of each way.

 

if u have a way to compress the spring, it would be easier to assemble it first, then put it in the car as an assembly. otherwise, putting the top in first, then the strut and letting the car down on it will work just fine. that's how i've done it. the top mount indexes 90 degreesX4 with the studs, this gives SOME camber/caster adjustment. if u set the top piece up in the tower and rotate it 90 degrees each time, u'll see how the bearing part sets slightly off center of the big hole in the tower. i usually set it to where it sets inward and towards the firewall to get the maximum caster/camber possible.

 

Assemble it completely like on the right and position in the strut tower with the arrow point back and and away from the engine on boths sides. According to the FSM this should give you 0 degrees camber and caster. Then bolt it back up to the lower control arm and attach the rest of the front suspension bits.

 

Yea, I assembled mine completely, then installed. Very easy.

Rich

 

Assemble unit off car, install top, then bottm. Refer to the FSM for the alignment settings of your choice.

 

for best handling point both arrows to the inside back towards firewall.

 

When I did it, I just lowered the shock, and left the bracket attached to the shock tower of the body. I just slid it in assembled,and it worked fine, granted my shocks can barely support themselves, and my springs are so low, they didnt need to be compressed. When I took the originals out, finding a spring compressor, was an invaluble tool!