The instructions below are for the spindle modifications that are required to install the following parts: Q-HS607SK, Q-HR607SK, Q-HD607SK, Q-HS607SK-CO, Q-HR607SK-CO, Q-HD607SK-CO, 737-Q and 738-Q.
In order to install the QA1 adjustable front struts for the 1982-1992 GM F-Body Camaro and Firebird some grinding or machining of the factory spindles is required to gain clearance with the QA1 strut. We have found that the easiest method to do this is with a hard wheel grinder. It is not a major project, in fact with the factory spindles removed from the car it's a job that will only take a few minutes to complete.
The first thing we want to point out is that there are two different types of factory spindles for the 1982-1992 F-Body Camaro and Firebird. There is what we call a "light" spindle and a "heavy" spindle. We're not sure of the exact year range for each type spindle, but we're guessing that the 1989-1992 cars have the heavier spindle, although some earlier years may as well. The heavier spindles have some more meat to them and will require an additional area that needs to be ground. Let's get started.
No matter which type of spindle you have, you will need to grind for clearance of the bottom black adjuster housing on the QA1 strut. If you hold the QA1 strut on the stock spindle you will notice that the bottom mounting bolt hole will not line up with the bottom mounting hole in the spindle because the black adjuster housing on the bottom of the QA1 strut is contacting the spindle. Holding the strut in place, mark the area of the spindle where you need to grind it down for clearance as shown below.
If you have the heavy spindles you will also notice that the top mounting hole in the QA1 strut doesn't quite line up with the top mounting hole in the spindle, just enough that you can't get a bolt through. If you have the heavy spindles you will also need to slightly grind the top radius area of the factory spindle as shown below.
No matter which type of spindles you have, the small amount of clearance grinding that is required will not effect the strength or integrity of the spindles. You are only removing a small amount of material. The spindle modifications required for 1LE front brakes remove much more material from the spindle and people have been doing that for decades without any issues. These spindle modifications will not prevent you from mounting any other type of strut in the future if you would wish to do so. You'd just have more strut clearance.
Step-By-Step
Pictures
Step 1: Mark Where We Need To Grind (Heavy Spindles Shown)
Step 2: After Grinding The Spindle (Heavy Spindles Shown)
Clearance Required For Bottom Adjuster Housing (All Spindles)
Clearance Required On Top of Heavy Spindles For Bolt Alignment
Finished: We Have Now Gained The Clearance Needed To Mount The Strut
Step 1: Mark Where We Need To Grind (Heavy Spindles Shown)
Step 2: After Grinding The Spindle (Heavy Spindles Shown)
Clearance Required For Bottom Adjuster Housing (All Spindles)
Clearance Required On Top of Heavy Spindles For Bolt Alignment
Finished: We Have Now Gained The Clearance Needed To Mount The Strut
