1996 R50 Pathfinder - Issue with front OME struts

Fergie

Expedition Leader
So, I just got through installing a set of 144S/143S struts and 921 springs on my 1996 Pathfinder.

I had a local shop swap the strut retaining caps over as they were in good shape, both the bearings and rubber.

Once everything was installed, and vehicle was resting on the ground, with the full weight on the struts, I noticed that there was a gap between the top of the strut retaining plate, and the nut. The distances can be seen below.

I tried tightening the nut down, but the entire rod spins, and it wont tighten.

Am I missing something here, or is there a spacer that should be installed? Was the cap put on too tightly and preloaded the spring on the strut?

Also, is there a Pathfinder site that may have more exposure than this section that I can do some research on?

Thanks,
Gavin

Passenger side:
P1010164.jpg


Driver Side:
P1010165.jpg
 

Strizzo

Explorer
um, thats bad.

maybe you can get a strap wrench on the strut shaft to keep it from spinning? last (and very last) option would be a set of channel locks or a pipe wrench on the strut shaft, but it would have to be grabbed where there wouldn't be any chance of that part of the shaft going into the strut, as bad things would happen then.

it looks like they used two different types of nuts on the struts too, i think the lock nut is incorrect, but im not sure.
 

Fergie

Expedition Leader
Manufacturer suggests new nuts when the struts are swapped out; the lock nut came with the new OME struts.

I stopped in to the local shop that did the struts and the owner told me to bring the vehicle in and they will make it right, but I'd still like to know what all is the matter.
 

Fergie

Expedition Leader
A short call to ARB USA lead to the solution!

The struts did not come with the required spacer for this installation, hence the gap.

The spacers are on their way from WA and I should be good to go.
 

Fergie

Expedition Leader
I got the vehicle back up and running the other day, and once again, I am pleased as can be with Old Man Emu products.

This makes the 4th OME suspension system on as many vehicles, and I will continue to buy their products!

For the record, this was a .5" lift, basically stock height but with better handling and load carrying capability.
 

r50fj60

Observer
x2 about going to NPORA..ill shameless whore their site, good group of guys over there and much info on our generation pathfinder.
How do you like the OME setup? Im contemplating a suspension upgrade. How stiff are they? Which ones did yuo get? The medium or heavy duty springs?
 

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