Sometimes I R Dum. Almost killed me this time.

They have crimped in seal heads?

 

Not sure. Looks like a pain to pull apart. Not much meat on the end cap to get a chisel or something to bite. Wonder if I can find a data sheet.

 

How do you charge those if you rebuilt?

 

the old hook style compressors aren't designed for use with mcpherson style struts/springs. there are compressors specifically designed for that application that keep the threaded part of the compressor much closer to the coils. when you use them in a pair spaced equally apart from each other, safety pins engaged and each side tightened equally like intended, they work great.

 

Close call for sure and I certainly didn't think they could spin apart like that.
Last time I used those hook compressors on a Tacoma I said no more too. Truck springs are too tight.

 

I think that might be a version with a dust cap and then a snap ring holding in the seal head. The versions with a crimp in the body that holds in the seal head have to be cut and then carefully machined. But the dust cap you have I think should pop right off to get a look. Try the one that blew apart.

On initial assembly they're assembled in a machine and using a mating sealing tube the rod pushes in the floating piston under pressure. On those we would drill a hole at the top to release the gas charge and then weld on a bung or just drill and tap to install a fill valve of some sort. I've done some without installing a nitrogen fill valve but it's a trade secret and requires assembling under pressure. Or you use the fancy machine.

You have to get creative but it can be done. Just always get the charge out before you do anything else. You've seen what can happen if you don't.

This is how these type shocks are assembled under pressure with the proper machine. https://youtu.be/NICWgWGtN0U

 

I meant to reply and thank you for the info. That was informative.