2nd Gen Struts - An Inside Look !!!!

Mad1stGen

Mad1stGen

Registered
Some of you might find this helpful. Below are photos of the 2nd gen front struts disassembled. After removing the top nut, the whole air bag assembly slides off the shock portion, just as I expected.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jeremi/images/2n_gen_strut_1.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jeremi/images/2n_gen_strut_2.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jeremi/images/2n_gen_strut_3.jpg

The shock portion of the strut looks very similar if not identical to the shock from a Thunderbird. Many folks used the t-bird strut/spring assy and replaced the shock portion with an insert from Koni. It appears the same can be done with the air strut. Until I have the Koni insert in front of me, I can't be sure, but it looks like it is possible to replace the shock portion of a 2nd gen strut with a better shock. I don't know if this is true for the 1st gen struts as the bottom assy is made out of steel on them.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jeremi/images/2n_gen_strut_4.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jeremi/images/2n_gen_strut_5.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jeremi/images/2n_gen_strut_6.jpg


Below, just for comparison purposes, are some photos from the archives. I believe this is the spring conversion done by ashman5 to his mark viii using front T-bird struts. Notice that the bottom spring stop is at different height, but the shock sleeve apears to be the same. As long as the inside diameter is the same (???), I think we can use the Koni inserts designed for the T-bird.


http://webpages.charter.net/aarichardson/Lincoln_Pics/Koni_Install/03.JPG

http://webpages.charter.net/aarichardson/Lincoln_Pics/Koni_Install/01.JPG

http://webpages.charter.net/aarichardson/Lincoln_Pics/Koni_Install/04.JPG

http://webpages.charter.net/aarichardson/Lincoln_Pics/Koni_Install/06.JPG

Any input greatly appreciated.
 
RE: 2nd Gen Struts - An Inside Look !!!!

Did you get yelled out for placing the dirty air springs on the clean carpet?

If I knew they came apart like that, I would have replaced the shock part by now.
 
RE: 2nd Gen Struts - An Inside Look !!!!

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Did you get yelled out for placing the dirty air springs on the clean carpet?If I knew they came apart like that, I would have replaced the shock part by now.
[/div]

Unlike you Steve, I don't live with my parents anymore }( }( }(

This is a spare strut. Koni's are on order already.
 
RE: 2nd Gen Struts - An Inside Look !!!!

LOL, it's funny trying to wait and hit your reply button, while it's moving!

One thing I see is a need to make the "ground off" part airtight for the bags. I suggest removing in such a way that you can drill and tap threads for a screw in plug(with teflon tape).

If you wanted to retain the bottom modified part for future shock replacement(new bag upper or insert), another idea is to modify the cut off part of the insert tube so it could be screwed back on, after a new insert is placed in. Add an inner/outer sleeve (where one screws into the other). The inside of the outer sleeve being the same diameter as the outer insert tube. Slide over, weld it, with a few threads exposed past cutoff end. Weld enough inner sleeve to the short piece that was cut off, then simply screw it on.
 
RE: 2nd Gen Struts - An Inside Look !!!!

I'm still wanting to know too.....I have plans to do this this winter.
 
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