Hey guys, 95 firebird formula...

I recently did a lil bit of suspension work when I put in my rebuilt motor
(tubular k-member, stock front lca's, bmr subframe connectors, and bmr rear
lca's.) I got a set of lightly used kyb gas-adjust rear shocks and front
coil-overs (or struts, whatever you wish to call them.) Both strut mounts
were replaced when I put the new shocks in up front (along with a set of v6 springs). The drivers side mount lasted 1000 miles before breaking (the metal sleeve that the strut rod goes through broke free of the rubber.) When broken, the slightest bump made a rattling noise of the shock bouncing around. Replaced the left front strut mount and 1000 miles later it just broke again, same noise, (and when I jack up the front wheels, you can see the strut rod drop out of the mount.)

What would cause two mounts to go, only on the drivers side? A friend at
work (I work for Goodyear,) said that because I stiffened up the chassis
with the kyb's and sfc's, that its putting too much load on the upper
mounts, but why is the passenger side still good? Both struts were mounted
the same way, strut rod goes through the mount and has a nut on it (no
washers, should there be?)

Is there likely to be a problem with the l/f strut, needing to be replaced?
Any opinions are welcome... I really hate to keep having to spend $40-50
every 1000 miles...

 

Sounds like you left out an important part.

The "Dog Bone".

It is a triangualar rubber/ steel cushion with a hole in it. It goes inside the mount and the shock rod goes through it. The shock nut tightens down on it and it is trapped between the mount and the fender when it is installed.

Impact loads from the shock are transfered to the underside of the inner fender by this piece. Without it all loads from the shock go into the sleeve that failed on you.

This part does not come with a new mount, they have to be ordered extra or the old one reused.

Shoebox used to have a picture of the assembly on his site.

Could be some other problem, but you did not mention this part at all, so check to make sure it is there. Can't be seen without the assembly being taken off. If the shock nut loosened up it would also cause the same problem.

Injuneer posted the photo link. The large gold washer might be missing also, goes on the shock shaft before you put it through the mount. Acts as a stop, sets on a collar on the shock shaft.

Good Luck

Z28

 

http://members.aol.com/InjuneerZZ/im...otos/shk08.jpg

 

I really thought there should have been a washer there, but having not received one with the struts or tops, I figured there may not be one... must be my mistake. Anyone have a part number to order from the dealer?

Thanks for the quick replies as well... major help.

 

GM PART # 25325
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $4.09
OUR PRICE: $2.33
DESCRIPTION: WASHER

Z28 Front Shock Mount LH (GM p/n 22146933) $58.34

Z28 Front Shock Mount RH (GM p/n 22146934) $58.34

1993-2002 upper shock insulator
(dog biscuit under top shock nut) 17999212 $4.73

 

4 gens have shocks, not struts.