Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Just Finished BAT Spring Install

I just finished the BAT lower spring/strut kit install. I followed the CEG online how-to and I have a few comments.

1. Although the guide is helpful it would be even better if a list of required and recommended tools was included. This would save us dashes back and forth to the hardware store by borrowed car or bicycle (in my case once).

2. Include some suggestions on how to get that #$@*&% lower ball joint back on the knuckle. I probably spent 2 hours trying everything I could think of to get the first one back on. The last ball joint probably took all of 5 minutes. The how-to makes it sound so easy.

3. There is NO way in hell that I could get the inside upper nut back on the front struts without compressing the spring. The guide indicates that you just have to push down on the top hat. I got the rear on this way but NO way on the front without using the spring compressors - not even close.

4. If anyone asks me to help them replace their struts they'd better have about 5 bills with Ben Franklin's picture on the front for me. Find a shop that'll do it for $250 and save yourself the headache. Hey, but it looks (and drives) real nice now. Just don't ask me to do another one in my lifetime.

Ride height changes:

Before:
LF - 26 3/8"
RF - 26 1/4"
LR - 26 1/4"
RR - 26 1/4"

After:
LF - 25 1/2"
RF - 25 1/2"
LR - 24 7/8"
RR - 24 7/8"

Others have said that things settle down and it gets even lower after some driving so I'll check it again in a few weeks.

Change springs & struts all the time here and never disconnect the front lower knuckle balljoint...something is missing here...BTW we charge $150 labor to change all 4....

Well, the CEG how-to includes removing the lower ball joint in the procedure. I don't see any way that the knuckle could be lowered enough to remove the strut without separating it from that ball joint unless spring compressors are used.

I recently read a panic post on here from someone who couldn't get the front strut loose, even with his 275 lb friend standing on the lower arm. Apparently they hadn't removed the lower ball joint first.

I would have taken you up on the $150 offer but Grand Rapids is a long drive from St. Louis, although I'll be in the area (Middleville, MI - Thornapple Kellogg High School) for a 24 hr bicycle race tomorrow and Sunday. Drop by and say hello. I'm the one with the Missouri plates and the new BAT struts and springs on the black 98 Mystique.

Jeff

Loosen the upper strut nut a few turns to let it flex*Remove stab link & brake hose guide*Remove strg rod end balljoint*Zip tie inner cv joint together*Remove lower strut pinch bolt*Open knuckle from pinching strut a little with a blunt chisel/pry bar as a taper wedge*Drive knuckle assy down off of lower part of strut*Use long bar to hold a arm & knuckle assy down at max travel*Disengage strut from knuckle*Remove upper mout nut and lift strut/spring assy out. IF you want to be sure it will clear the knuckle..with the wheel off,jack up car under lower balljoint to compress spring a little, fit two spring clamps and proceed as before....

Jeff, thanks for the input, esp. the measurements. Very helpful. Keep us posted and let us know how much it settles after a week or so (and an alignment)
Terry - if I were in Michigan...oh man, the things I'd have you do for me.

god i love this BAT suspension! i like the two finger gap (and I have skinny fingers!) Cost me $100 to install

Where did you get this done for $100?