The Ground Control Suspension parts. Watch this space for updates.

Disassembly of the stock strut was interesting. I didn't know if it was a gas-pressurized shock or not, so I drilled a small hole before I went to a-cuttin'. No problem. I used a very large Channel Lock pliers to remove the top cap, then I used an exhaust tubing cutter to trim off the top 1/4" of the tube. Removed the guts, cleaned it out, and fit in the Koni shocks we have. After further inspection, I found that these new shocks are labeled Nissan Motorsports and are adjustable (but not externally.) This will be a good start until we go to better shocks.

I cut off the stock spring perches, because the GC parts did not sit well on them at all. I got some weld-on parts from GC to replace the stock perches. This came in two pieces, which were not welded together. If I plan this welding correctly, it should be able to be moved in the future.

I was disappointed (but not surprised) with the fit of the GC threaded collars over the stock strut tubes. Not even close. Those o-rings are not the best either; I could see them dying within a track event or two. The current suggestion is to fill up the area with duct tape; that seems viable, but I wanted something better.

I came up with a new idea, one that I think is better. In general aviation, we use a silicone-based flexible baffling to block areas of airflow; it's this stuff: http://www.chiefaircraft.com/Aircraft/Weatherstrip/Images/GB-T8071OR.jpg. It's flexible, easy to cut, fiber-reinforced, impervious to water, oils, and gas, and is 1/8" thick. It comes either in sheets, or in a 9-foot roll 3" wide ($31 for the roll at Chief Aircraft; http://www.chiefaircraft.com/Aircraft/Weatherstrip/BaffleGasket.html).

I had some of the 3" stuff laying around, so I cut enough off the roll to encircle the stock tube. I slipped it on the tube, used freezer tape to hold it in place, and slipped the GC collar over it. It's tight enough to where there's very little play (if any), and loose enough to be able to slide the collar on. Combine it with the proper weld-on tabs for the collar to sit on, and this will work well.

I also bought the Ground Control upper strut mounts. These look like nice pieces, but I've got some issues with them. First, the stainless steel large washer they sent with them has a bolt pattern that does not match the bolt pattern at the top of the strut. I don't know if it's an NX-thing, or if they sent me the wrong ones. Curiously enough, the upper strut mount is fine. In addition, their upper spring perches, which include the bearing assembly, do not have any way to stay attached to the upper strut assembly. When the suspension is at full droop that upper spring perch will separate from the strut mount, and will likely get damaged. Since I figure we'll weld the strut tube tabs so that the top of the collar is even with the top of the strut tube, that will mean that the shock will extend too far. I guess that means I need to contact GC or Eibach for some tender springs to keep it all together. Anyone know a good source for these?

My finally issue with the GC upper strut mount is that it appears their design does not allows full movement of the upper strut to negative camber. Not only does the upper perch contact the strut mount sheet metal (it appears that I will have to remove some of the upper strut sheet metal in order to clear it, but that's legal to do) but it also contacts the camber adjustment perch as well! Strange...

Overall I'm OK with this, there's no problems that cannot be overcome. I just need to add a little ingenuity and a couple more parts...