Steering/Suspension Problem

[Datto_610]

Went to bolt my struts back in but there isn't enough of a gap to fit the bottom two bolts in the strut. Almost looks like the ball joint isn't as high as the old one so not enough space between the arm and knuckle to fit the bolts through. Any thoughts?

[Datto_610]

Heres a quick pic i threw together to give people more of an idea of whats going on.



No matter what way i move the steering knuckle i cant get that bolt in through the bottom.

[85_Z31]

Have you tried disconnecting the waybar ?

Lets you move the control arm way further down so you can get a better angle on the bolt

Might not work on a 610 but it works for me on the Z which has pretty massive struts

[DJZ]

Did the balljoint have the correct size taper on it?

Could you undo the ball joint nut, knock the knuckle off and put the bolts in then reassemble it?

[Datto_610]

I dont have a sway bar in at the moment. Did you mean the castor rod James?? Im pretty sure its the right taper went on the knuckle ok. I might try that method though. Never had any problems untill i got new parts and started putting it back together again.

[Bartman]

force the arm down away from the bottom of the strut, then cock the bottom ball joint over so that you can get the bolt in. Then cock it over the other way and put the other bolt in. Then lift the arm back up and get both the bolts started and wind them in?

[Datto_610]

I'll have another go after work bart

[Datto_610]

Ok so managed to get the two bottom bolts in. But have a new issue.... The old ball joint bolted through the bottom of the arm there are two threaded holes in the new one and no thread in the arm so I put the bolts through the top of the arm now they foul on the bolts I just managed to get on so now steering wont turn. This is driving me mad, never had any issues till I bought and assembled new parts. Pretty sure iv thrown out the old ball joints so can't compare them. Someone help!

[vegie]

will try to get a pic of my standard setup tonight....

[Datto_610]

Thanks Craig keep in mind that I have 910 bluebird struts but have had them in and out plenty of times.