Well, I put in the call to Isidro at HPO today for my new suspension - AGXs all around and new KYB strut mounts as well (the jackass that installed my springs used an impact wrench on the top nuts, broke one bolt right off). I also got new bolts and thrust bearings from Brian at Courtesy. Props to these two guys, I recommend dealing with both if you need parts or advice.

Hoping to install the new parts next weekend if they all get here, wish me luck. This will be the end of the mods for a good while, need to save up to paint my baby this summer so it doesn't start to rust.

Hey stop it!!!
You are getting way ahead of me here!!!!!;) :D :cool: :mad:

I have 4 blown struts and can't do anything till I get a good sized paycheck. :( :o

What is this thrust bearing thing? And what new bolts did you get?
And also, how much were the AGXs?
Thanks big gunner!!!

The thrust bearings go in the front suspension (you can see them in the exploded view in the FSM for sure and in Haynes as well I think). Basically when you steer the front wheels, the whole strut/spring assembly swivels with the wheels and brake assys; the thrust bearings make this possible, enabling the assembly to rotate about its axis. They don't go in the rear suspension 'cause you don't need 'em.

The new bolts that I got are the big-ass 17mm bolts that go two each at the bottom of every strut. Since these were off the car for the spring install once already, and removed/replaced with air tools, I don't want to chance them stretching any more and I'm just replacing them. Additionally now I don't really have to worry about breaking them, or using a nut-cracker to get them off if I need to.

I'm replacing the upper strut mounts because of the broken bolt from the spring install; whether the KYB strut mounts will give me any more travel I have no idea, but I don't bottom out now on the Eibachs so I'm not anticipating any problem.

Isidro gave me the AGXs for $389 shipped for all four. I have heard of others getting them a few bucks cheaper from him and mentioned this but he told me this was the best he could do right now; I was happy with this because he matched P-S-T.com and blew TireRack and my local dealer all to hell - they wanted about twice that much. He also gave me a great deal on the mounts and essentially gave me free shipping. I highly recommend dealing with him, he's a stand-up guy. I got the little parts from Brian at Courtesy, this is the second time I've dealt with him and I wasn't disappointed.

As far as waiting for a paycheck, I've literally been saving since before New Year's to do this; I even had to budget for buying a floor jack and stands, and some bigger sockets and wrenches. Do a little saving, you'll be surprised how fast you can do things, and while you're saving you can do research on the different setups and on the install.

hAhA its not a real big deal, i once knew a goofball wannabe mechanic that was 16 yrs old without an impact wrench or even a vise or a decent paycheck that managed to pay for AND install AGXs in his driveway. That goofball has a writeup on his site http://www.geocities.com/classicsr20/mods.html Come to think of it that goofball was me:D :o :cool: :rolleyes: :eek: :D :D :D

How'd you get the top nut off? I have a long breaker bar but I'm wondering how it'll work.

i hope you got a vise clamp cause that will make the biggest difference. I know it sounds stupid but go ahead and spray the top nut with your favorite penetrant lube while the struts are on the car even if they dont look rusted. Since i was replacing my struts i went ahead and scratched the shaft with some vice grips. ( just dont scratch your new agx shaft.... you probably knew that. ) between holding the shaft with vise grips and giving short wacks at the top nut i got mine off. Amazing! and as always, your results may very :D

BTW when i did mine i didnt have a vise so i attempted to pin the strut and the spring compressor and vise grips between my legs while i did my best pathetic attempt of turning the top nut. hopefully youll be better prepared.

Feel free to pay a visit to the Garage Mahal for this. Struts and springs are a piece of cake. :) 2 hour job with 2 people.