Koni inserts in non-factory struts?

[Piloter]

As per title, is this possible to do? Specifically I currently have a set of Monroe struts (probably Sensatracs, or whatever was the cheapest when it was done) and when I get back home this friday will have a full set of Koni cartridges.

Will these be machineable to fit into the Monroe units without undue headaches? Would I be better off getting factory struts (ugh!) from a wrecking yard or the like?

Anybody with experience in this?

(Two more upgrades before the engine...)

[REN69]

Are the monroe struts replaceable cartridge? If they're full strut then probably not. If you had Monroes installed they could just be Monroe cartridges into the OEM casing. I'd take a look at exactly what they did before finding out you got the wrong stuff for your car.

[Piloter]

How would I tell, assuming I have no access to a lift and no jacks and no maintenance records? =)

And no worries about the wrong stuff. Worst-case, they're full-strut. In that case I go get 4 factory struts from a boneyard and get the Koni inserts put in and roll that way.

Edit: I'm almost positive they're full struts. Monroe doesn't make cartridges for the AE100/101/102. Uhoh. *L*

[REN69]

I would assume there would be a big MONROE sticker on the casing itself if they replaced the whole thing, but if it's still the OEM casing it's probably just rusty black.

[Snidley7]

I don't know about the monroe units... you would have to open one up and measure it to be sure.

I installed konis on my AE92 and they were quite a bit of work. Basically because of poor instructions and not having the right parts.
Looking around the wrecking yards I found some AE92's with 2"OD struts and some with smaller (1.7~" OD).
In the front I needed the 2" OD struts with the nut on top.
In the back I needed the 2" OD struts with/without the nut. You just cut the top of the strut off and bolt the Koni on from underneath.

BTW: That mystery fluid that they show pooring into the strut housing is anitfreeze.

good luck

[diver9000]

http://home.flash.net/~hess/strut_replacement.htm

Take a look at this. Dr. Hess goes into much detail and explains how to install strut cartridges into the housings.

[Piloter]

I will have detailed results on this in a couple weeks...let the tuning shop know what was up, they said they'd have to take a look, and if necessary that they could source the junker factory struts and still take care of me that day.

Again, mad props to the crew at Torque Freaks. Although my little Corolla doesn't quite fit in with all the Rexies, Tegs, Supras, race-gassed Evos, and Vipers that live around there, at least I can drive her home in the wet and live. =)