While installing s-techs we ended up breaking 4 ratchets and cracked a socket on the rear passenger side strut bolt. A huge thanks to unseen for the tools and the time
Thought i'd post some pics of the day.

this is the side the bolt was on:



one of the broken ratchets and cracked socket:




half a can of liquid wrench and a mean sunburn later::




once again big thnaks to unseen

 

had the same trouble with both sides actually - had our muffler shop loosen em w/their air impact gun. mine was only 120lbs, but theirs were 170lbs

 

theMick and unseen vs. rear strut bolt in 6 rounds...winner and undisputed champions: theMick and unseen.

 

just glad we didn't have to use the torch

 

probably a better set of tools and a 3 foot breaker bar would have done the trick in seconds...

 

we were using breaker bars

 

if i could break a ratchet without a breaker bar i'd be the strongest man ever

 

And people worry about installing cold air intakes and axle back exhausts.

 

Did you try to remove the bolt end or the nut end? The nut is keyed and designed not to rotate. The bolt side is a lot harder to get to but much easier to break loose.

 

next time use a bigger or longer ratchet but looks nice i need some springs

 

get a better set of ratchet... get craftman/snap-on... lifetime replacement..

 

yeah this is where the problem was. all those piece of **** ratchets come with unconditional lifetime warranties, but they are still crap. i cant invest in a diesel set of tools until i own my own house; im not investing a lot in tools, just so i can get them misplaced or stolen by housemates.

and yeah, we should have tried the bolt side of the strut bolt.

 

We only went thru one ratchet when mine were installed.

 

Looks like I have broken tools to look forward to, as soon as my shocks get here. Just a little FYI for all you tool buyers. Snap-On, Matco, and all those other "high-end" tool companies have a 70 to 80% mark up on their products. I prefer Craftsman cause Sears is close and their prices aren't too bad. Anyway, nice drop . . . whats next?

 

looks good though.

 

All of my tools are Craftsman. I grew up with my dad always telling me that it is worth spending a little more for good tools with a lifetime warrenty. He has busted several Craftsman tools and he always just brings them to a Sears, picks out a new one, and he is back in business.

 

this is why craftsman all the way... free replacement!

 

thanks, rims are probably next although i'm craving some boost

 

yeah, that happened to me when i installed springs in my corolla. i was using crappy ratchets and i broke 3 of them

then i figured out how to use craftsman wrenches and a breaker bar. oh and PB blaster

 

well my first install on my car only used one too. i swear, something is up with his car. i think toyota put some thread locker and other ish on there....who knows.