Removing middle pin from astra shocks?

[Phillips321]

Hi guys,

I've got my astra rear shocks for thew front of my sj410 but i need to remove the metal tube from inside the bush, any ideas of the best way? It feels like it's stuck in there solid. I'd prefer to keep the actual bush as it mates up perfectly with the shock. I just need to get rid of the hollow pin!

Thanks guys

[ScottieJ]

SJ shock bushes fit with a slight bit of file work...i would just remove the whole bush and use SJ ones.

[Phillips321]

SJ shock bushes fit with a slight bit of file work...i would just remove the whole bush and use SJ ones.

Ok, that was also a plan, how do i actually get the astra bush out then?

This is what i have:

[SherwoodNash]

I have no idea of the 'correct' way but if I was without Google, and had limited tools I'd probably drill 10mm holes in the rubber of the new shocks, pull all bushing out, and clean up. Then on the original SJ one, I'd spray fairy liquid solution making gaps around the perimeter using a small screwdriver, use a vice as a cradle and hammer out the bush with a big wooden dowel. I'd then use same solution and press fit the SJ rubber into the new eyes again using the vice.



Why did you go for Astra shocks? I replaced all 4 of mine with KYB Excel-G gas ones last year, it's a great ride now.

[Phillips321]

I was under the impression Astra shocks front and series 3 on the back was the cheapest way to accommodate a 2inch lift from add a leafs??? Well there in now, no going back!

[SherwoodNash]

Oh yeah I forgot you were lifting yours!

[ScottieJ]

I just drilled loads of holes through the bushes in mine to get them out.

You will need to lower the bumpstops to stop the shocks bottoming out.

Then again add a leafs are so stiff you probably won't get it to flex that much horrible things

[ROBBIE]

Then again add a leafs are so stiff you probably won't get it to flex that much horrible things

Used to get loads of flex on mine, just such a bloody uncomfortable ride. But they will probably destroy your top leaf as on compression it dose tend to bend it the wrong way

[twiss]

I drilled a few holes in mine, then bolted through and wedged the end of the bolt in a gap and levered the bushes out

[ScottieJ]

Then again add a leafs are so stiff you probably won't get it to flex that much horrible things

Used to get loads of flex on mine, just such a bloody uncomfortable ride. But they will probably destroy your top leaf as on compression it dose tend to bend it the wrong way

maybe our idea of 'loads of flex' is different it's not gonna flex any better than standard with add-a-leafs