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How to remove front Struts on GMT900

white07gmc

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white07gmc Enthusiast

white07gmc

Posted
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I was in the process of replacing my front struts this past weekend and I ran into a problem. I removed the entire drivers side coil-over assembly from the truck and I got the spring compressed but I couldn't get the top nut off. It looks like you have to take some pliers and hold the strut shaft and then loosen the nut but I don't see how you do that. Has anyone ever replaced their struts and can give me some guidance please. This is on a 2007 NNBS GMC Sierra.

 

Jason.

aflesch Enthusiast

aflesch

Posted
Posted

I have always used an impact. If the strut shaft starts spinning I remove the boot inside the spring and hold the shaft with vice grips.

 

Edit: when I say remove I mean cut off

Mossyoakglock Senior Enthusiast

Mossyoakglock

Posted
Posted

What spring compressor did you use? I'm going to eventually get some Bilstein HD's for the front of my truck and will need either take it somewhere to have them swap them out or do it myself.

 

Everything that I've read says do not use the ones that you rent from Autozone, etc because they are not made for truck springs, only smaller car springs.

white07gmc Enthusiast

white07gmc

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I actually borrowed a pair from a friend. I am also installing Bilstein HD's. I already installed them in the rear. That took 15 minutes to do. I'll take a pic of the spring compressors this evening and post the pic in the thread.

holty Enthusiast

holty

Posted
Posted

I"ve always broken the nut free before removing the strut from the vehicle and then finish on the bench with the spring compressor.

Daryl LBZ Senior Enthusiast

Daryl LBZ

Posted
Posted
What spring compressor did you use? I'm going to eventually get some Bilstein HD's for the front of my truck and will need either take it somewhere to have them swap them out or do it myself.

 

Everything that I've read says do not use the ones that you rent from Autozone, etc because they are not made for truck springs, only smaller car springs.

 

I bought ones from Sears for when I swap my struts out. In the reviews there are some people who have used them on their trucks without a problem. A lot of people on their also claim they are great quality.

 

No one close to me that I've called has a machine to do it so I'm going to do it myself with the set I bought and a few other things as a safety precaution. As long as you use common sense, and be safe it'll be alright.

Mossyoakglock Senior Enthusiast

Mossyoakglock

Posted
Posted

White07,

 

Do you know where he got those?

 

Also, I notice that you have the factory 20in wheels. Do you happen to have the Z60 suspension too? If you do, I would love to get your feedback on the HD's on the front. I think the 5100's would be too soft but the HD's might be best. I want something firm but that will take the bumps better.

white07gmc Enthusiast

white07gmc

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I purchased the 20's after I got the truck so my truck did not have the Z60 package. I can tell you that these HD's are WAY stiffer then my factory shocks. I LOVE THEM!!!! I drove around with just the HD's on the back for 2 weeks and I could feel the difference when going over speed bumps and exiting my drive way. The rear was much stiffer then the front. Now that I have the HD's on the front it is awesome.

 

I got the shock piston nut off with an impact wrench while they were still on the truck.

 

I would recommend these shocks to anyone looking for a stiffer and more comfortable ride.

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