[Shotimes] Operating on the strut tower

[bobsteig@att.net]

Carl,
Your observation of it being like a binding in the tower is 
spot on, sounds to me like the spring sort of winding up in 
the right side tower. I don't however notice the memory effect 
that you mention. (thankfully) I too am not that fazed by it, 
my AWA has even gotten over it. Just out of curiosity tho, 
is there a part # for the spacer plate and where does it attach? 

Best, Bob (BB-NYC '89)

> Bob,  I can only speak to my 92, but if the strut design is the same going
> back to 89, then this applies.
> 
> Back in the day, one of the more common mods to SHOs is to replace the OEM
> struts and springs with either Tokico or Koni's coupled with Eibach
> springs.  This of course alters the geometry of the suspension. The
> groaning actually gets worse in this situation.  Temperature may aggravate
> the problem, but down here it's still fairly warm and the struts always
> make the groaning noise.  It is apparent at low speed only.
> 
> When this was discussed in the stone ages, the stated fix was to replace
> the strut bearing.  I did this and it didn't cure the problem.  Then
> sometime in 93 Ford added a spacer plate to address the groaning issue. 
> I've read some people say that the struts still groan with the plates. 
> One interesting thing  I've observed is that the groaning is like a
> binding in the tower and has a memory effect.  So if you turn left, the
> car wants to stay pointing left, and vice versa.  This effect is
> exaggerated if you don't have enough caster dialed in.
> 
> Personally at this point it doesn't bother me that much.  My Tokicos are
> still in fairly good shape.  When I have a reason to pull the struts, I
> may throw the spacer plates in, but it's not really a pressing issue
> anymore for me.
> -- 
> Cheers,
> Carl Prochilo
> 1992 Ultra Red Crimson
> 
> bobsteig@att.net said:
> > Hi Carl,
> > In your posting below you mention a groaning when turning
> > the steering wheel. I have read that this is a common
> > problem with the SHO when the temperature is below 45.
> > I usually experience it only when turning right at low
> > speeds. (and low temps)
> > Is this the same thing that you are referring to
> > that spacer plates will solve? If so, can you expand
> > on that a bit so I know what spacer plates to put where.
> >
> > Thanks, Bob (BB-NYC '89)