I have a 99 em1 and ordered some used struts and springs off another 99 hx i believe. Anyway, my fork will not slide on because the bottom is a different shape and has a stopper. Advice?

 

I think u answered your own question.

 

Thought I could use any 96-00 parts?

 

I'm not sure, but if they are different, then they won't fit.

 

I can get the fork on it, and almost get the pin in the fork on, but i need about 1/2" clearance... Guess ill need a spring compressor...

 

The spring compressor will only help get the spring on the strut, it won't do anything else.

 

What do you need a spring compressor for? The springs a re already on the strut.

 

With the fork on, I can't quite slide the bolt through the lower control arm...

 

Well the spring compressor isn't going to help that.

 

Then how do i compress the strut another half inch to get the bolt through?

 

Make sure your spring is tighten all the way down and the fork is all the way up. Next, you'll have to pry down your LCA. If it's not the proper fit, your civic is going to look like it has a lift kit in it LOL. sorry.

 

push down or up on the lca to make it line up

 

I do need a spring compressor. If I compress the springs, I can adjust the top hat with the allen wrench and bring the strut up... know what i mean jelly beans?

 

You need to get creative. I used a scissor jack on the bottom part of the fork to push it up while the pushing down on the LCA.

 

the lca's are all the way down... the thread at the top of the strut tower is less than my old ones, meaning I have to tighten the top of my tophats to bring the strut up..

 

Got it figured out. the previous owner hammered off the stoppers, which I guess is a ghetto way of lowering the front end... got it all buttoned up now... Drives like a dream compared to the old ones...