Trying to put in front coilvers but it seems I can't fit the bottom of the shock into the control arm. Referring to the picture, is it possible to press that piece in a little so I can put this in? or this is a design defect on the coilovers?

 

Its a tight fit in there. I often resort to using a jack under the control arm to help push the control arm up while holding the shock in place.

Which coil overs are they?

 

is the only thing preventing you from putting it all together that little spacer? IF so, is it like this on both sides or just on this one control arm?

 

I had the same issue..

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ight=deepdezal

 

I agree with the jack. I just did this last night and I'm getting pretty good at it.

Get a pry bar and a jack. Position the shock mount over the top of the mount point in the control arm with a bias toward the center of the car. This way you can use the pry bar to line it up once you get it in there. It's gonna be tight but once you get it where you want it, put the jack on the rotor and slowly start jacking it up until the shock mount starts to slide in. If you go too far... you're gonna have to start over. Once you get it close... put the bolt in there and beat it into submission with a hammer. It's gotta be close though or you'll f up the threads and you don't want that.

It should go, you're just gonna have to work with it. Oh yeah and loosten the bolts at the top so you can swing the strut back and forth an inch or two. It'll make things easier.

 

Whatever you do, do NOT force it! You will damage the coilover or the control arm.

Take a threaded rod or a big screw, two washers and two nuts and widen it a millimeter o two. I made a little drawing lol



EDIT: And oh... You have to loosen the sway bar a little! That might be all you need to do if you havent.

 

That first suggestion borders on genius!

 

That part that's interfering is a steel sleeve that's pressed into the control arm. It can move, and it's designed to slide inwards for a snug fit as you tighten the bolt up.

Some creative use of a socket, bolt, and nut can push it back outwards, or a brass drift and a hammer works too. No biggie.

Dale

 

nice drawing! I know I can count on rx7club! haha.

I figure the little spacer on the control arm can be pressed in a little. Thanks!

Coilovers are the apexi n1 exv.

 

Glad to help

 

I used a c-clamp to press in the sleeve/spacer a lil bit on each side. I bet a good pair of Vice grips would even work.
Zeb's idea is a good one, too though, and probably the easiest on the control arm.

 

Just slip the bolt back in thru the hole, then put the nut on it and press it against the sliding spacer. Tap with hammer on the bolt head lightly to push the spacer back for clearance. Then you'll be able to fit the shock eye in place.
Artie

 

I've used the c-clamp before and in my opinion, this is probably the quickest way. Don't over complicate things!

 

ok, I used a clamp and was able to push in the spacers and installed the coilovers.
Thanks for all your help. Now I just gotta get my alternator rebuilt and the car will be on its way!