Just about to complete the deal to buy a n/a '86. Everything appears to be in real good condition, except for an obvious suspension-related bump from the right rear. I am assuming this is a strut gone bad.

This being my first experience with this car, is a rear strut change a big deal for the accomplished d-i-y? Expensive parts?

Thanks, in advance for your help.

 

I did my new suspension set up this past weekend. Real easy job. It's alot easier with another person helping you out though. By the way I got KYB AGX with eibach Pro kit.

If you want stock replacements they arent that expensive.

 

Rear struts are super easy to change.. Only one 17mm bolt holding the bottoms on, and two 12mm (I think..) nuts holding the top on, then they come right out. If you are swapping springs, you will want an impact gun and a set of spring compressors.

 

I think the top ones are actually 14mm. Yea the impact gun and spring compressors did help out alot. I didnt need the spring compressors for the rears (my friend put all his weight on it and it was enough) but the fronts will need spring compressors unless you have someone over 250-300 lbs probably.

 

yeah rears are super easy, dont even have to jack the car up

 

i went with ST springs and KYB AGX struts...its really easy...with my st srpings i didnt even have to use compressors just my own strength..im half scared because of that. it'll look mean once i put my 17" konig tantrums on tho.

 

USE A SPRING COMPRESSOR. It's a safety thing. They're available for loan at parts places so why not?

 

You MUST use an impact gun, a small-medium sized on is fine.