New 325IX Owner...here's a list of things I'll be doing..

[Sean]

Update!

Not as happy of an update as I had hoped. I DID get all the bushings pressed in. Using a ball joint set from autozone, and my investment in a 20ton harbor freight press - I pressed out the old ones (which was very scary ) and the new ones went in super easy. Everything is all together now - at least when it comes to balljoints. However, the strut housing I purchased is now sitting at the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center, with no line of sight on when I will get it - sooooooooooo...I'm at a stand still. I also had to move my car, so I put it all back together with the blown struts just to move the damn thing.

I never got the other side apart yet - but now I have nothing but time. So I'll keep trying and may purchase a set from another person or something.

Also, last night when I went to move it, my rear brakes lines blew apart somewhere - fluid everywhere. So, that's another thing I need to fix.

I havent done anything to my axles - since they were already done. I do need to check the front driveshaft spline still, though, and do a transmission filter/fluid change.

[fresh_TD]

Sean, how did the inner and outer ball joints work out for you?

Sent from my GS4 Active

[ghatid]

How does ones strut housing end up looking like that? The bumpers went out and it hit the top?

*edit* Oh, nevermind, I see you had to remove the cap and it got damaged on the way out.

Hey Sean, looks like we bought 325ixs at about the same time. Currently, I'm in the middle of replacing my ball joints too, got the Moogs based on this thread (from Patrick).

Did you end up choosing a grease for the axles? I also got new boots and repacked the axles. I didn't put any grease on the back one and I think I should, and I have another one ready to go in...the first one is a rear axle so I'm not as worried, but these from axles are precious:D.

[bradnic]

No vise no workey. Torch, vise, big ass pipe wrench, PB blaster. Plus a BFH or large pipe to go over the pipe wrench handle for leverage. A good vise mounted somewhere sturdy is absolutely critical.

[fresh_TD]

pipe wrench no bueno?

This plus PB, torch..are you putting the housing in a vise? Or you trying to hold it down yourself?

Sent from my GS4 Active now Free

[nando]

pipe wrench no bueno?

[Sean]

Update! I found a replacement housing. I attempted to get the one pictured above, apart this weekend - but man, what a bear! I might need to cut the shock apart...lol I cannot get that damn gland nut off!

[nando]

yeah, that housing is definitely salvageable.

you could keep your eyes open if you happen to see another one - if you plan on keeping the car long term, anyway.

even the old housing can still be used for something. can you say coilovers? ;)

[Sean]

Thanks, Northern!

[Northern]

keep the rim of the POR15 can clean, wipe it clean if you drip any in there, or it will be sealed well enough to mangle the can.

Also, it lasts a good amount longer if you keep it in the fridge, even longer if you store it in a freezer/deep freeze. Otherwise, a pint can seems to have a 4-6mo shelf life once opened.

[Sean]

Already ordered off Amazon! :)

[bradnic]

^ this x 100

take the extra strut housing money and buy yourself a por15 starter kit. WEAR GLOVES. that shit will not come off your skin for a week or more.

[Northern]

I'd sand the piss out of that rust to try to clean it up as best you can, then throw on a few coats of por15 or your rust inhibiting paint of choice. Then antiseize the hell out of the threads. Should last a solid 5 years at least, especially if you coat the area in LPS3 or something after it is together.

[Sean]

Torch that biatch dude. It took a boatload of heat a pipe wrench and a hammer to get my IX gland nuts loose enough to wrench off. Not enough heat and it won't change things.. If you're tossing the strut cartridges then you're not going to hurt anything.

And yeah that driver's side definitely looks usable. Both of mine looked like that.

Baller! That saves me money! YAY! :D

And no, cartridges will not be reused - this one literally falls entirely on it's own when you extend it...hahah

[bradnic]

Torch that biatch dude. It took a boatload of heat a pipe wrench and a hammer to get my IX gland nuts loose enough to wrench off. Not enough heat and it won't change things.. If you're tossing the strut cartridges then you're not going to hurt anything.

And yeah that driver's side definitely looks usable. Both of mine looked like that.