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Stock S12 front strut assembly replacement - repair, not upgrade

Started by Lumpy73 · Aug 21, 2015 · 8postsSMF 2010–26

Lumpy73Aug 21, 2015, 10:13 pm · #1

I've read through several related posts, including the sticky 9 pager. My question is a bit different:

The spring perch on one of my '87 (CA's) front struts has rusted enough to partially collapse, rubbing the tire. Parts are basically unavailable, even used in my part of the continent, so is there a reasonable, more common alternative (Z31, S13) that doesn't involve coilovers (hate'em) or cutting?

Think "cost-effective repair", not "upgrade". I truly love my S12 - it's my third one, and my fifth SX car - but I've got an RX-8 R3 to get my handling fix in. I just want it back in action.

8SixS12Sep 9, 2015, 11:40 am · #2

I hate to tell you this but you're only option is to either modify the stock spindles and strut tubes  to coilovers or find a donor car for parts and even then those parts may be worn beyond it's useful life.

S12_LiferSep 9, 2015, 10:22 pm · #3

I may have what your looking for.  Email me at [email removed] so I can send you some pics of what I have.

Cajun1guySep 10, 2015, 8:38 pm · #4

^^^NO DOUBT!!! He should have what you need for sure.

Lumpy73Oct 22, 2015, 7:44 pm · #5

With many thanks to S12_Lifer, my trusty KA-DE powered MkII hatch is back on the road. He's a great guy to deal with.

The solution, in this case, was a pair of replacement strut assemblies, which I've finally been able to install. They work mint, so I'm glad I didn't bother to order in a new pair of strut cartridges.

Modifying this car was definitely not my preferred option.

BTW, you Sun Belt people make me sick - the used pieces he sold me looked about 5 years old. Living where there's winter sucks! I hate salt.

Thanks again for the help, S12 peeps.

Cajun1guyOct 22, 2015, 9:54 pm · #6

Jay does it again! He's the go to parts man for sure, thanks for what you do!

S12_LiferOct 23, 2015, 12:12 am · #7

Happy to hear your back on the road Lumpy73!  Enjoy while you can before that Canadian winter hits you.  Gotta luv our sun belt.

Cajun1guyOct 23, 2015, 10:00 pm · #8

Amen to that! I hate to think of all that blasted salt eating up good machines.