Finally got around to finishing the install of my Tokico kit (Illuminas and springs). On the rears, I haven't been able to torque the top hat center nut (the one that screws down on top of the strut). I got it finger tight when I first assembled the strut and spring. With a ratchet, I couldn't get it any tighter- the strut piston would just rotate within the strut housing. So, I figured I could tighten it down when under load on the car. Even then, I couldn't get it any tighter. On the car, it looks "normal"- the top of the strut is a half an inch or so above the two side bolts.
The only thing I can think to do is to use locking pliers to hold the piston through the boot and then torque the nut down. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

i only had to hold the piston to take off the mounts, but i guess you could try that because it is probably spinning as you tighten it

 

Ok, put an open end wrench on the nut and grab the top, where there are no threads, with some vice grips. There, you're done. Just keep turning til you have maybe .5-.75" from top of the nut to the end of the piston. The rears are supposed to only be 30 or 50 ft/lbs so that would be enough. Why do people try to make **** more complicated than it has to be?

 

Good idea, didn't think about doing it that way. Thanks.

 

Becareful, we ripped the top of the strut doing that on a friends car..

 

i have always used an adjustable wrench on the top and a 14mm racheting wrench for the nut. quick and easy.

 

The nut will bottom out on the last thread on the Illuminas. When that happens, the piston begins to turn, your done! Just put the locking nut on top and give it a snug.

DO NOT GRAB THE PISTON WITH PLIERS YOU WILL SCRATCH IT, THEN THE SEAL WILL FAIL AND THE SHOCK WILL LEAK. TOKICO WILL NOT WARRANTY A REPLACEMENT!

 

Excellent advice. Thanks!