Took advantage of the KYB $40 dollar MIR. Changing out my shocks and struts.

I'm trying to gather the tools to get the job done. My Chiltons book gives me little info on fastener sizes.

It appears the strut nut that came with the new KYB struts is 22mm given that 7/8" is slightly loose. Is that the same size as the factory strut nuts?

Also, on the factory struts, it appears it will take a hex socket to back-up the strut shaft. Anyone know what size socket that is? Also, some people say they simply grip the old strut shaft with a vise grip to get the old strut assembly apart.

What suggestions do you all have?

Thanks!

I usually just grip the shaft with a good pair of vice grips.
I think the nut is maybe a 21 mm....aftermarket nuts are different size. ...but vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

To be honest..that past few sets I've done I just get the loaded versions

I may try the vice-grip option for removal if I can't round up an impact gun. Curious, how did you tighten the nut on the new strut?

I strongly considered quick-struts. Some report satisfactory results, others not so much. I was concerned about installing new springs in the front as where the rear OE leaf springs would remain. For example, one guy said his new quick-struts raised his ride height by two inches. Although, I'm sure new springs would probably settle over time, I didn't feel like rolling the dice on that one. Currently, my ride quality is not too bad and no sagging that I can detect so I'm hoping my OE front springs will get a few more miles out of them.

It's been a while but I think I just assembled the strut and ran the nut on with an impact. The torque is only about 70-75 lb-ft as I recall so you don't want to get carried away. Once the strut was in the vehicle and the spring compressor released, I checked the torque with a torque wrench without holding the shaft. Seemed to work. I've got another 100,000 or so on it since I did it.

impact to remove and replace, vice grip to hold if needed to remove, install is all impact gun

Got it done today. Borrowed an impact gun from a friend. Made it super simple. Don't know how I've survived without an impact gun this far.

Anyway, these are the tools I used to get the struts in and out:

10mm socket
13mm boxed/open end wrench
18mm deep socked (impact)
21mm deep socket (impact)
22mm deep socket (impact) - new KYB struts have 22mm nuts
Borrowed spring compressor from O'Reilly

Also utilized a C-clamp and 1-1/4" socket to press out the knuckle bolts. Going back on, I used a torque wrench to torque the knuckle bolts to spec. Those were the only fasteners I torqued besides the lug nuts.

All-in-all, pretty smooth after I had all the right tools in hand.

Two things. if you need to know the size of a nut and can get an adjustable wrench on it you can measure the gap in the wrench's jaws to tell what size socket you need.

Second, I never use an impact to loosen a strut nut, no need. Just loosen the nut first thing before you jack the vehicle up. The weight of the vehicle will hold the shaft in place. Loosen only, don't remove it. yeah an impact makes it easy but if you don't have one it's not a show stopper.

Good suggestions, but given the application, neither is possible.

Interesting complaint because my 2 experiences with quick struts was the same. Gained major ride height.