Those linkages are a bitch to get off.. when you try to loosen the bolts, the nut just spins inside that rubber gromet thingy. If I remember correctly, I got my coilovers in without taking those linkages off.
Here is a vfaq on what you gotta do in general:
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/GCkit-2G.html
- Basically, loosen the top 3 bolts that hold the strut on top
- Loosen the bolt thats clamping the bottom mount onto the strut (DON'T TAKE THAT BOLT OUT) just loosen it enough to get the strut out.
- Remove the bottom bolt that bolts the bottom mount onto the lower control arm
- The bottom mount should be loose enough now to push down away and off the strut, use some elbow grease if it's being stubborn because those friggin' sway bar linkages are holding it (use wd40/liquid wrench if needed)
- You may need to push the hub down to get enough clearance to take the strut out.
- If you still don't have enough clearance because the strut still has some life in it, try unbolting the upper control arm (2 bolts)
I stripped the linkage bolts trying to get them loose so I had to cut it with a dremmel and replace it.. hope you don't have to do the same. Good luck and keep us posted.
Threaded Mode