Here's how I can tell my E31 has seen virtually no rain

[Sniff38]

I just finished up a front end refresh and discovered my original BOGE shocks were shot. Not surprising given they are 25 years old. Anyway, I removed the struts and took the springs off to find my gland nuts looked virtually brand new. All the research I've done on front shock replacement showed everyone had to deal with heavily rusted nuts . . . so to speak. It's times like these when I appreciate owning a car that's lived in southern CA its entire life.

Unfortunately I still couldn't get the damn things off with the tools in my box. Hopefully I can find a local shop who has the proper tool to remove the nuts without damaging them or the strut tube. The gland nuts are approaching $90 each and given their condition I have every intention of reusing them.

Sean

[rogbmw]

I would say that my nuts were almost as shiny as those, but some may take it the wrong way..... Both of the 8 front struts were very similar. Sure makes removing them easier.

[Sniff38]

Yeah I had to take my struts to a local garage to have them help me with the gland nut removal. They had a much bigger vice and pipe wrench than me and we made quick work of it. They didn't even bother charging me.

Based on what I saw online I was really dreading removing my struts as most of the photos I came across showed heavy corrosion and rust. I was pleasantly surprised to find what I found when I removed the dust boot.

Sean