[Shotimes] Operating on the strut tower

[Carl Prochilo]

Check eBay.  I believe you can buy them from a guy named Nook.  Keep in
mind you will be charged a good chunk of change if you have it done in a
shop because they'll want to pull the struts to install the spacer plates.

You won't have the memory effect unless you replaced the factory springs
with something like a Tokico/Eibach combo.

You could also try spraying some WD40 up in that area if the noise is
really bothersome.
-- 
Cheers,
Carl Prochilo
1992 Ultra Red Crimson

bobsteig@att.net said:
> 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)