As title really...

I've got the basics, like trolley jack, 2 axle stands, a large socket set, and one of those cheap big red tool chests, with various bits chucked in the bottom. and a hammer. oh, and a torque wrench (40Nm - 200Nm). I've never needed anything more when I done coilovers on my Escort.

I'm popping to Halfords in the morning to pick up some spring compressors (last lot snapped), but am I missing any vital tools? As I don't wanna get the job started then realise I have to put it back together in order to drive back to Halfords.

I have no idea, but I'd imagine you'll also need a kettle!

You will need a bent spanner or through socket to hold the top nut while tightening the Allen key thing on top of the strut I think.

Sent from my Galaxy S2 not a Crapple!

Air ratchet/impact driver thingy for the top nut makes things much easier and a spreader tool for the hub where the shock fits in at the bottom.

Is my torque wrench gonna be up to the job? Trying to find torque settings and seems to vary depending where you read....

Some mk4 forums say 300Nm but apparentally haynes says 200Nm

rather than Halfrauds for tools, have you got a Machine Mart nearby?

i used a swan neck ring spanner for strut tops

What size ring spanner is that?

And a machine mart is just down the road from halfords.... Apparentally!....Cant say ive ever noticed before haha!

i think its a 19mm just open the hood and put sockets on till you find the size

I think its a 21?

I had to use a grinder on the swan neck so it would bloody fit

Nightmare

aye its stupid eh? my old struts were gubbed so i ground two flat bits into strut itself to use a spanner to undo the bearing nut as it wasnt for moving

For the splitter to get the hub assembly off the bottom of the old shocks, I use a socket mounted alley key.

Sorted now...sort of. Currently have no track rod end on the drivers side as its still connected to the old hub

Collecting a new pair tomorrow! then off for tracking / corner weighting at the weekend (I work all week - cycle to work)

Anti roll bars are not done either....job for another day because this was too much of a pain on its own. Ceased nuts and lack of right size tools! so a few shopping trips mid job!