I just got done with the second side of replacing struts/ball/tie/sway. The first side (passenger) I did allowed me to tighten the top nut down with about 1/2 inch worth of threads above the bolt. The bolt was tight to the strut mount bearing. So if I sit on the fender with the hood up and give it some weight it holds tight. (my 83 shows more threads above the nut.)

The drivers side is in every way the same, I've checked it over. Same amount of threads above the bolt. But give it some weight and there is still a half inch gap between the mount/bearing and top nut. Same sized but as the one I took out.

My assumption at this time is that my air impact wrench from harbor freight is not strong enough to tighted down far enough. But at 15 ft lb it doesn't seem like its got to make much contact with the bearing. Either way it doesn't make sense.


(My 83 has a washer under its top bolt but this 89 didn't have a washer between bolt and mount/bearing. Is a washer needed?)