Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Southwest Bat Kit Install Problems

I finally got my Bat kit in the mail, so I decided to go ahead and get it installed, but I ran into a few problems. Keep in mind that I have done struts/springs before, just not on a Contour.
First problem is this. A few weeks ago I had my car at the dealer getting some warranty work done. One of the things they did was replace my rear struts. I was working on the rear of my car and found two things. First one was one of the two bolts that holds the strut up in the tower wasn't even tightened, not a big deal. The second bolt, however, is a bit different. I tried removing the bolt and the basterd is stripped. I ran over to the other side of the car and started working on the rear and ran into the same problem. One bolt came out fine and the other one is also stripped.
On the verge of frustration, I ran to a few stores looking for something I could use to remove the bolts. I bought some kind of extractor. I just hope I can fit a drill up in the strut tower so I can try extracting the bolt out.
When I got back from the store I decided to work on the front. I got the struts out with out too many problem, but it was kind of a pain in the ass. Installing the new struts wasn't as nice to me as removing them. I was working on the driver's side and I got the new strut up and set in it's mount, but I can't seem to get the lower ball joint to fit up in the knuckle, it's like the knuckle/rotor assembly is about an inch too far away. Also, everytime I try to jack up the rotor it's like it swings out a little. I spent an hour trying to get it install and couldn't, so said to hell with it and went to work on the passenger side. However, now I've ran into two problems. The damned strut won't slide in the mount and now the fricking boot for the cv shaft popped off at the transaxle. Needless to say I'm quite pissed off and not sure what to do. I spent half the day and only managed to screw things up more than fix them.
I'm approaching the 'desperate' phase and need some suggestions/help. I have tomorrow (thursday) and sunday off from work, if anyone wants to chime in to help me out. Otherwise I'll probably end up paying someone too damned much to fix the damned thing.

Tim
'00 SVT

Ouch...damn Tim, you shoulda called me today I was off work. We could of knocked that out in no time.

About your troubles...

Theres no way your fitting a drill up inside that little space...not without an extension. If the actual hole is stripped then you'll have to try and retap the hole! Fun Fun!

The front struts are just a PITA plain and simple...they take quite a bit of 'working' and 'finessing' to get on the knuckle again. Its definately easier with an extra person...especially one thats done it.

As for the drive shaft I hear that it will go back in the tranny with a little work...shouldn't be a problem. You could definately use an extra set of hands.

Sounds like a good reason for a Sunday get together for the group. Who's interested?

I'm going to attempt to work on it today. Hopefully I'll make some progress, but I doubt I'll finish. If something kewl (or not kewl) happens, I'll let ya guys know.
Brad, I didn't think you were back yet, and I wanted to have it done by Sunday. I was kind of hoping to goto PMI and see what kinds of 1/4mile times I could throw down, but I guess that will have to wait.

Tim
'00 SVT

Here's an update on my beast.. Finally got the fronts done. I had to get some assistance, but was able to finish those. The inner boot that popped off on the transaxle side had to be touched up a bit. The metal band was cut so we could get the balljoint and boot back on, then used a plastic tie to wrap it up. It sounds ghetto, but doesn't look too bad. Since the boot isn't torn or anything it should be okay, but I'll definately keep my eye on it.
Haven't done much to the rear yet. I'm down to a couple of options. First being, try putting everything back together with the stock struts/springs. Second, leaving the car sit until I can definately get some more help. Third, get a sawzall and try cutting the welded mounts on the inside of the car so I can get the old struts out. Coincidentally, both of the bolts that are stripped are on the rear, and are semi-accessable from within the trunk. Since I don't really feel like trying to figure out how to get a drill up in the strut tower, I'll probably end up cutting the tops off and getting some bots/nuts to secure it. I'm just having a dickens of a time getting the rear suspension put halfway back together. I have a feeling I removed something I shouldn't have. Oh well, story of my life right now.


Tim
'00 SVT

anything new?

I finally got the car done on Sunday. I had to get a recipricating saw to chop off the rear two bolts. I had my boss come over and help and we were able to get everything back together. Tomorroow I take it in to have the alignment adjusted.
Just on a first test drive, it rides a little rougher than stock, but that's what I wanted. Also, the car does appear a little lower, even if it's only an inch. I'm thinking about getting 50 series tires, that should drop it another quarter inch or so and make it look a little tighter, but overall I'm happy with the end result, even if it did take several days and I ran into several problems. I just hope my CV inner boot doesn't fail!

Tim
'00 SVT

you don't already have 50 series tires? I do...they came stock.

Hmmm, the tires on my car are 205/55's. You mean that's not the stock size? I know they aren't the original tires, the previous owner had replaced them.
Any idea if a 215 or 225 would fit on the stock rim and not rub anything?

Tim
'00 SVT