Suggestions for the Shock Strut Assy?

[Rolly LSA]

I am having a very difficult time installing shock strut assembly into the shock strut housing of the BH LSA. I have finally had partial success using a standing drill press as suggested by Mark Goldberg. But I have not been able to get the snap ring into the housing. The spring is strong enough to distort my "professional" snap ring pliers from Lowe's. Any suggestions?

[Battson]

Are you having trouble compressing the main spring, or the snap ring?

If it's the main spring, I trust you know about the old bolt trick as used with the 4-place shock struts?

[Enewton57]

Hi Rolly Click here http://mybearhawk.com/finish/assblshk.html to see to see how Iused a 3/4" drive socket to compress the shock strut to make putting the snap ring in - -- well, a snap :-)

[Rolly LSA]

Thanks for the info guys. Threading the bolt into the rod won't work for my case as it isn't threaded deep enough to move the cap into position, or the 7/16ths bolt grip length is too short. I am using a standing drill press. My problem at the moment is the snap ring pliers are not up to the job..Maybe its just technique. Mr. Newton's website has been very helpful and I refer to it often.

[Enewton57]

Yes, I found that the standard variety snap ring plier like you buy at an auto parts store wont cut it. I had to find some heavy duty ones to do it.

[Wayne Massey]

I used a pair of 11-Inch Long Reach 90-Degree Bent Nose Pliers and used a grinding wheel to shape the point to fit the snap ring. It worked great.

[Rolly LSA]

Thanks to all - I got hold of some big boy snap ring pliers from some folks that work on farm equipment (hydraulic stuff) and they worked just right. Now on to the next challenge ;>)