[Shotimes] Operating on the strut tower

[Kevin & Cheryl Airth]

Bob:
 If you need the factory plates they have part #F3DZ-18A027-A  List $12.35
each
.
.
.




> 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)
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