How to flip Escudo/Vitara front shock/strut mounts.

[daymo]

Can someone please clarify this mod for me. I keep coming across posts where people have flipped the top of the front struts to get an extra 35ish mm of down travel from the front shocks, but can't find any more info on it.

I went to try this the other day but couldn't work it out. Seems straight forward tho. do the bolts get knocked right out and replaced with hex bolts so they can have a spanner each side to stop them turning when you do them up?

[kernels]

I have a full guide at home about how to do this, but from memory you need to completely remove and discard the existing bolts and buy new 35mm M10 bolts to replace them. Will post the link to the full guide from home tonight. Good luck!

[daymo]

Yea i have just found this posted on another site. Makes sense now, kinda answered my own question originally.

Also need spacers/washers between the mount and strut tower, gives a little extra and prevents crushing the stamped steel mount.

http://zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/how-to-flip-your-sidekicktracker-front-strut-mounts/

[kernels]

Here's that link I was talking about.

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-di ... ut-mounts/

[daymo]

Ok. Here is what I did to clarify for anyone else wanting to do this as i couldn't find a thread on here, and it is a quick and easy mod to gain some extra down travel from the front shocks.

Before I started went to Blacks fasteners and bought:
6 x 8mm x 30mm high tensile bolts (8mm bolts can use the original nuts.
24 x 8mm washers. (Packers)

Jack vehicle up to give some room in wheel well. I was able to keep the wheel on to prevent it dropping right down, and lowered the jack to help reinstall the strut afterwards. Could take the wheel off and use another jack under the arm to help raise and lower if you prefer.

unbolt the 19mm strut bolt, may need a wrench to hold the large hex washer.
Pull/punch the strut out. Unbolt the top and remove.

This is what we have to work with.

With an angle grinder with cutting disc, cut of the bolt threads and punch out the heads. Grind off any burrs and rust proof/paint. Will to drill out slightly larger with an 8.5mm drill bit.

Feed the new bolts through with a washer, and pack the other side with 3 washers. This prevents the plate from crushing when you do the bolts up. Feed back through from underneath and tighten with the original nuts. Lower the vehicle a bit and feed the strut top back through and replace the nut.

[turbo6]

thanks dudes for posting this

[Heath]

Of course now you have to watch your CV angles as they can bind at full droop and break. (especially if you fit longer struts like OME ones)

Every action has consequences.

Of course you could lower the front diff to compensate, but that will mean ...

[turbo6]

just took my shocks out just to find out that they are farked haha

who knows where i can score some old man emu shocks from?