KYB front struts for ’97 ???

Another thing to be aware of is that SS bolts & nuts will not be as strong as the originals. They should hold, but you may not be able to torque them quite as tight as OEM spec without damaging the threads. You should be alright, but maybe research correct torquing specs for the new fasteners.

Link: http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/car-restoration/115944-should-i-change-all-bolts-nuts-stainless-steel-ones.html

AA wrote:

Another thing to be aware of is that SS bolts & nuts will not be as strong as the originals. They should hold, but you may not be able to torque them quite as tight as OEM spec without damaging the threads. You should be alright, but maybe research correct torquing specs for the new fasteners.

Link: http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/car-restoration/115944-should-i-change-all-bolts-nuts-stainless-steel-ones.html

just a couple items.

1) I forgot that the 97 struts differed from the 98s. Apologies.

2) I replaced the bolts holding the brake line to the strut with SS on my '98 as well; I used the nuts with the nylon 'lock' inserts, absolutely no problems. Torque is not that critical on those fasteners, 10 ft-lb will do, it's just that no kidding they need to stay on once they are on and be tight enough not to rattle.

Albertj

I misunderstood. I thought he was replacing the large mounting bolts for the strut, where it connects to the steering knuckle.

AA wrote:

I misunderstood. I thought he was replacing the large mounting bolts for the strut, where it connects to the steering knuckle.

oh no no!
just talking about those little screws for the two hose and wire brackets.

The pic with the odd nut at the top strut - knuckle mount may be misleading too. I had that on there because my original nut gave me a hell of a time coming off and didn't want to go back on either so I got a replacement. Now both those top ones are replaced with ACDelco camber bolts anyway.

It literally feels like a different car now and I'm happy as hell but this is just going to be a totally inconclusive case since I replaced pretty much the whole front of the car at the same time. But even when I first got the car Jan '07 with 149k on it, it's never felt so sturdy on the road - I feel like I can get away with anything.

I hope you guys aren't putting GR-2s on Rivs with lowering springs (eibachs or whatever is available). My Regal blew right through a set of them in 8000 miles on coilovers that weren't lowered too much. I could only imagine how quick the extra weight of a Riv would destroy them. Granted.. the spring rate on my coilovers is probably pretty harsh but GR-2 struts seem like such a risk.

Nice writeup and info in this thread though. I'm thinking about putting new eibachs on my car as the stock suspension is getting on..

Quote :

It literally feels like a different car now and I'm happy as hell but this is just going to be a totally inconclusive case since I replaced pretty much the whole front of the car at the same time. But even when I first got the car Jan '07 with 149k on it, it's never felt so sturdy on the road - I feel like I can get away with anything.

Congrats. At least it shows how implementing 3-4 simple mods in the front end makes a big difference. Struts, sway bars, tower brace, and bigger brakes for continuous high speed stops.