KYB Front Strut Installation Woes

[StereoInstaller1]

My catalog shows 86-3/92 318is...part#364021

I have this part number on 2 of my E30s. I have not tried using stock springs on them, but they fit just fine with the Bavauto and B+G springs.

[LJ851]

I hope this helps you, the strut is fully extended in this pic.

[DRTSRFR]

If the OP has the correct part number there's no reason they shouldn't fit regardless of the springs. GR2s, or EXEL-G as they are now called, are stock replacement dampers.

EDIT:

OK, something's not right. I just went and measured a stock front and the shaft is only exposed 8" with the spring and hat on it.

Waitaminute...is that a Canadian tape measure??

[jlevie]

That is a metric tape measure.

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

Tonight I'm going to try to drastically compress the spring and re-attempt installation. The KYB's are about three inches longer than the Sach's or Biltstien units when fully extended. I think this combined with a stock spring makes installation of this particular set-up more difficult than if I either had A.) Sach's of Bilstien strut w/ stock spring because the strut is shorter or B.) KYB Strut with a lowering spring.

If the Lord is willing, I'll be able to get this mounted tonight. As a R3V take-away though, I wouldn't reccomend this set-up for a DIY installation. Either get different struts or different springs. Ideally, get a better checking account than mine and get Billy's and H&R's!!

I'll update you guys in the morning. Thanks for all your help.

-Rob

[Mr. Tasty]

That is a metric tape measure.

See more on Know Your Meme

[Sputnik]

I had kyb and vogtlands on a vert of mine. I'd stay away from kyb's its shitty quality and made the ride even crappier then it was before. It left major play in the front end


no me guesta. buy bilsteins...

[StereoInstaller1]

-Rob

I bet you're wondering why you win all the polls, huh?

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

I have always wondered that but I was too afraid to ask because R3V is like a wild exotic animal; it waits for one iota of ignorance or stupidity and then it pounces and mauls you with mortal ferocity.

So I chose to keep my mouth shut.

[StereoInstaller1]

I have wondered that but I was afraid to ask because R3V is like a wild exotic animal; it waits for one iota of ignorance or stupidity and then it pounces and mauls you with mortal ferocity.

So I chose to keep my mouth shut.

'tis old news, and yes, R3V does tend to prey upon those who show any sign of weakness...but search, it has been answered many times. I get the feeling you will fit in just fine. Got pics of the ride up yet?

Luke

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

No pictures of the ride yet. Right now I still haven't been able to get back in and finally sort out this strut fitment issue. I ended up going to Happy Hour last night which really knocked out a lot of my motivation. With the car up on jackstands and two dangling front struts that won't fit on the car, this is probably the best rendering of what my ride looks like currently:

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

UPDATE:

Finally got the strut assembly onto the control arm last night. I borrowed my neighbors impact gun and compressed that f-ing spring down to nothing. It took the force of two men, but it got done. With these lessons I should be able to do the other side this weekend and finally have the car back on the road, A WEEK AFTER I STARTED THE JOB!!!

The KYB's seems like fine strut inserts, but I wouldn't reccomend them to anyone who wants to use the stock springs on their car. The combination of the longer strut plus a stock spring makes it almost impossible to install. Either go for OEM struts or lowering springs. I'm happy we were able to yield some good knowledge out of all this pain and suffering.

Thanks for all the help and advice R3V.

[Bearmw]

This has been painful

[browndog]

As a R3V take-away though, I wouldn't reccomend this set-up for a DIY installation. Either get different struts or different springs.

Hmmm...I need new front struts asap, but I can't dish out the $$$ for a Bilstein/H&R setup right now (paying for a wedding in two months). I was thinking of going with KYB GR-2 (part 364021) with Vogtland springs (http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-4-SHOCKS...item5d3029ab60), but after reading your horror story, I'm wary of the KYBs. My setup would be with lowering springs (1.6"), but still...what do you think? Still a huge PITA to fit? Seems like they would be...

[scottinAZ]

I installed KYB's with H&R sports not more than a week ago with no issues. Could nearly install the front springs onto the struts with no compressor. could not see how they would be too long for OP, but YMMV. no issues here