Need help with KW coilover install

[Arch Stanton]

This may be a stupid question, but when installing the new front struts, do I need to reuse the foam bump stop that was on the original?

I thought that I'd seen someplace where someone had taken it and reversed it's orientation and put it on the new coilover. But the new unit looks to have its own stop already.

If anyone could give me some quick help so I can get this wrapped up this afternoon I'd sure appreciate it.

[hops23]

Bump stops come off. Sorry, I just saw this this morning. Hope you got it done...

[Arch Stanton]

Thanks. I pretty much got them done, but I left the stops on after I found this thread on an Eibach coilover installation. I guess I can get in there with a knife and cut them out so that I don't have to completely disassemble everything again.

I test drove it afterwards though and I'm getting either a rattle or a weird squeaking that makes me nervous. I wasn't able to completely tighten the top nut on the shocktower since I didn't have the right offset wrench. Hopefully, between tightening that up and cutting off the stop, I'll be good to go.

Any other thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Arch Stanton]

BTW, did most folks use a fairly standard offset wrench to tighten the top nut or did they go to Dodge to get a special tool for it?

[hops23]

I did the same thing but I was able to tighten it enough with an offset wrench, just be patient and take your time. Once the nut gets lower, it'll take a lot of short turns but I finally got it tight enough to get rid of the rattle.

[gameover]

I find that an impact gun was easiest way to tighten that top nut.

[Dookie]

Use an impact while compressed, if you don't have one, bring it to a shop, they'll likely do it for free.

[hops23]

I find that an impact gun was easiest way to tighten that top nut.

That would be the easy way before installing.

Use an impact while compressed, if you don't have one, bring it to a shop, they'll likely do it for free.

He needs a way to tighten without removing it from the car. Using an offset wrench and a smaller wrench to stop the stud from turning is the only way to do it without using the special tool according to the service manual.

[Arch Stanton]

Thanks all. I didn''t have (nor could I find) a 19mm offset wrench, but it was very close to 3/4. I ground off a bit if the wrench to help it to fit deeper into the hat and it worked just fine. Everythig seems nice and tight now.

[Hemi31]

Use an impact right from the strut tower.You can keep the shaft from spinning with a strap wrench or a long piece of rubber hose wrapped around it a few times and held tight.