mk3 suspension query

[daza1986]

I just got myself a 60mm lowering kit, come through today . Im a bit stuck on how the front shocks fit as the lower spring plates etc seen to be welded to the shock body, Pics below are what i have recieved in the post




Also what do these do? they fit over the top of the shock + sit on the top of the shock body but cannot see how this will all fit


Cheers
Darren

[richie00boy]

Look at what's in your wheel arch and you will see that the shocks are actually inside tubes with those bug nuts holding them in.

[daza1986]

Look at what's in your wheel arch and you will see that the shocks are actually inside tubes with those bug nuts holding them in.

Does that mean i will have to drop the whole assembly to get the old shocks out and new in?

[cmac86]

Yep. Hub Nut off, Track rod end Off, Ball Joint off, Brake caliper off. 2x strut top nuts..... Mk3's suck balls for suspension lol.

[daza1986]

Yep. Hub Nut off, Track rod end Off, Ball Joint off, Brake caliper off. 2x strut top nuts..... Mk3's suck balls for suspension lol.

thanks for the help guys.

[Violet]

It's actually an easy job, it's a matter of two tapered bolts holding the lot in and two bolts on the top. It literally 'withdraws' from the arch and you can work on the whole thing off the car.
The top nut is extremely tight, but can easily be removed with Stilson grips (those big plumber tools):

[Nobbie]

Interesting top mount on that one? Mk4?

[hay_lewis_68]

MK4s have 'normal' suspension Nobbie, thats still MK3, the rubber bit in the first picture is part 7 in the exploded diagram

[Jack]

Interesting top mount on that one? Mk4?

Cavalier/Calibra. Same front leg, the top mount bush is the only difference.

[Astra Dan]

I find if you leave the car on it's wheels and you try to crack the shockers top nut first it usully helps. No. 3 on the exploded diagram above.

[hay_lewis_68]

I find it easiest to just use an impact wrench when they are in the spring compressors.

[daza1986]

Thanks all for the replys, should be able to do that nice and easy now.

Ive just fitted 1 of the back shocks and springs.....not sure if im being dumb or something but when ive put the car back on the floor, everything how it should be, all tight and such.....shouldnt it be lower on 1 side.....changed the driver side and passenger side still standered at the mo but the gap between the wheels and archs on the back are the same gap.

[Astra Dan]

Takes a while to settle.

[Andy^mk3]

You'll need to change both springs to get the full effect, plus it takes a few weeks to settle.

[daza1986]

Thanks all for the help, done both rears now...dont sit much lower at the mo but its seriously stiff now lol, just got the drivers side strutt off and gunna do passenger side tomoz...then the fun of that nut that holds the shock in...so should all be good now, thanks again all