i'm just starting in the world of mods to my 98 max and hoping to get some tips on istalling my newly purchased kyb agx struts on the front of my max...i'm new to this whole suspension installation thing so any kind of help would be greatly apreciated thanks

 

the work is possible to do by yourself, although having a friend to help out will make things much easier.

Get a Haynes manual for reference, and a exploded view of the strut/spring assembly. this will help you line everything back up when it comes time to put the strut back in. The pattern of the three bolts on the upper strut mount is asymmetrical, so they can only go in a particular way. Look at the stock strut and spring. Note the upper mount has a notch in the lower edge. Remember the location of that notch in relation to the struts lower mount. When you put it all back together, make sure the notch still lines up with the same parts on your AGX's.

The work itself is fairly easy, but it takes a while to do it. After you have the car up on jack stands, support the rotor with a hydraulic jack as you remove the strut/spring assembly from the car. The jack will prevent your rotor from hanging down too far and keep your brake lines free from stress. Be sure to use a spring compressor before you dismantle the strut/spring assembly. Do not remove the center nut from the upper strut mount before you have the spring compressed. Failure to do so could be fatal. When you take apart the strut/spring assembly, lay out all the parts in order so you know where they are supposed to go. Check the strut bearing and verify that it is still in good condition. Check all your isolators while you are down there too. Needing new isolator sleeves is common. If the parts department you use is easy going on returns, it may be a good idea to get the isolators and strut bearings just in case you need them and return them if you don't. Having to pull a suspension apart twice to replace a part you didn't have the first time is not as much fun. Put it all back together w/ your AGX's in place.

Search this forum for more detailed instructions and pics.

Check your regional forum... maybe there's an .org member in your area who can assist you w/ the install.

 

Talk to Tom (njmaxseltd)
He has a shop in Elmwood Park, NJ
He does suspension installs by appointment on Saturdays.
Great guy, great service, great price and he know his sh*t !

 

are kyb agx stock replacements? meaning do i need to modifiy anything when installing them or do they fit the same way as the stock ones do? Ive installed tokico blues and those needed no mods, yet a friend of mine put in koni struts and he needed to install the spring mount onto the strut/shock. will i need to do this with AGX struts?

scott

 

If they are the correct AGX's for your model year, they should be a direct exchange with no additional mods necessary.

 

it is time involved, but it'll save you $300...give or take.

 

Anyone have a writeup? I just need to change my springs and keep the struts(have KYB AGX) if that makes a difference.