Firebird V8-350 5.7L VIN P SFI (1996)
Fig. 10 Shock Absorber Assembly To Strut Spring Compressor Installation
e. Turn screw on strut spring compressor counterclockwise to raise shock absorber assembly up to modular shock assembly compressor adapter.
Ensure studs go through guide holes in modular shock assembly compressor adapter and top of shock absorber assembly is flat against tool.
f.
Compress front spring assembly approximately 1/2 inch or three or four complete turns of screw on modular shock assembly compressor
adapter. Do not over compress front spring assembly. Severe overloading may cause tool failure, possibly resulting in personal injury.
g. Insert J 39642-1 from modular shock nut removal set tool No. J 39642, or equivalent, on shock absorber nut, then insert tool No. J 39642-2, or
equivalent, from modular shock nut removal set tool Nos. J 39642 through J 39642-1, or equivalents, to hold shock absorber rod in place.
h. Remove shock absorber nut and discard, then turn strut spring compressor clockwise to relieve spring pressure.
7. Proceed as follows to assemble shock absorber assembly:
a. Install shock absorber to strut compressor adapter and modular shock support. Ensure mounting ears of shock absorber assembly are
facing downward toward rear of strut spring compressor or shock absorber assembly will not align properly.
b. Close strut compressor adapter and modular shock support and install locking pin, then ensure upper and lower spring seats are positioned
correctly.
c. Assemble shock absorber assembly to top of modular shock assembly compressor adapter. Ensure top of shock absorber assembly is flat
against modular shock assembly compressor adapter. Shock absorber assembly will not be aligned properly if it does not lay flat
against tool.
d. Turn screw on strut spring compressor counterclockwise to raise shock absorber assembly up to modular shock assembly compressor adapter
without compressing spring assembly. Ensure studs on shock absorber assembly go through guide holes in modular shock assembly
compressor adapter. Only turn screw until shock absorber assembly is held in strut spring compressor by itself. Do not load spring
assembly.
e. Place modular shock assembly alignment rod J 34013-115 down through top of strut spring compressor, through top of shock absorber
assembly and onto shock absorber rod, Fig. 11. Ensure shock assembly alignment rod is straight with shock absorber assembly. If shock
assembly alignment rod is angled, repeat preceding steps until tool is straight.
