trying to install struts - but stuck

[jmrwd3]

Hi all, I purchased a set of Gabriel Ultra struts to get me through a summer of highway driving, and came to the conclusion that I have no idea in what order the parts get installed. There are two retainers, two metal sleeves that fit over the strut rod, one cusion for the top, some other sort of cushion, and of course the top nut. Can anyone point me in the right direction?? Thanks!

 

[LINY4Runner]

post a pic with each part numbered (with like paint or something) and I'll put them in order for you

 

[jmrwd3]

Thanks so much! Here are two photos, one shows the old strut and some of the parts from it -



Notice that there are two metal sleeves that came with the new strut, also, the old strut has some parts lying next to it, from the bottom up is the cushion, a flat retainer/washer, and then a retainer and bolt.

 

[jmrwd3]

So I took a wild guess at the order of the parts and took some pictures, maybe I'm close? I stumbled upon another question concerning the top bolt, does it get tightened down to the bottom of the threads?

 

[LINY4Runner]

okay here's the order they should go on....you're actually pretty close:



strut-#3-#6-#5-#1-#7-#2-#5-#4


I'm PRETTY SURE this is how it goes...hard to see with the pics, but I'm pretty sure thats correct

 

[LINY4Runner]

and the spring can go on at any time before you put the strut top on (obviously) but make sure it's seated correctly on the strut and on the top

 

[jmrwd3]

Ok that makes more sense, a couple questions.

1) Am I correct having the retainer (5) go inside the dust shield (6)

2) Do those two retainer pieces (5) touch the rubber piece (1) with the rounded sides facing the rubber piece like I have in the picture, or are they backwards.

3) Is that second metal sleeve (3) meant for another type of truck or do I need it somewhere?

Thanks again for your help, i really appreciate this!

 

[LINY4Runner]

Ok that makes more sense, a couple questions.

1) Am I correct having the retainer (5) go inside the dust shield (6)

That looks right, because I dont see how else the dust cover is going to stay on there...

2) Do those two retainer pieces (5) touch the rubber piece (1) with the rounded sides facing the rubber piece like I have in the picture, or are they backwards.

the rounded sides should fit into the curved side of the #5 metal washer

3) Is that second metal sleeve (3) meant for another type of truck or do I need it somewhere?

it doesnt look like you'll need that second one, but I cannot be completely sure...maybe someone else can chime in with me?

Thanks again for your help, i really appreciate this!

 

[jmrwd3]

I gave up on the Gabriel and got Monroe struts, which seem much more simple, now all I have to do is figure out how to get the top mount 25 degrees off from the bottom mount and put them in.