Okay.

To sum up the hazards:

Take the buffer and buffer spring out before beginning.

Use the flat blade screwdriver to remove the stock retaining screw.

Watch out for the takedown pin detent and spring launching rearward from the right rear of the lower receiver as you remove the stock.

As you slowly unscrew the buffer tube with a wrench, keep an eye out for the buffer detent and spring to launch upwards from the rear of the lower receiver as the unscrewed tube uncovers them.

When you reassemble with the collapsible stock, watch out for the same hazards as you put it back together. Reinsert the buffer detent and spring as you screw in the new buffer tube. Stop at the first revolution that retains the detent. Do not screw it in over the tit of the detent. The collapsible stock parts kit should have a receiver end plate that will retain the takedown pin detent and spring during assembly while you tighten the castle nut. I like to tighten it by hand to make sure all of the springs and parts are in the proper places before snugging it up with the wrench. When you are done, tighten everything and check the rear takedown pin as well as the buffer detent. Then reinsert the buffer spring and buffer. Install the collapsible stock. Function test.

By the time I finished typing this, I could have done it all.

What MOS are you again?

TR

Just hope there's not Loc-Tite in your extension tube threading. :munchin

Sorry I didnt get back to this thread today, TR covered it quite well, heck I might even try and hire him to fill one of my open armorers slots:D

A good number of the A2's that I converted were not that tight at all, I could grab on while wearing mechanix gloves and unscrew without using a wrench.

These were A2's that had been purchased mid to late 80s and had sat in the racks unused/fired since then.

Castle nut
 

Don't forget to stake the castle nut:) good luck!

Thanks all for the help. :) Surgery went very well, took all of 8 minutes.

I bought the LMT SOPMOD butt stock kit with a new action spring & heavy buffer as TR suggested. Purchased it from DSG Arms (www.dsgarms.com) who shipped it very quickly via USPS to my APO.

WD40 was needed as there was a bit of LokTight on the receiver extension. I gave it a 10 minute presoak before starting. It was tight. No wild lost springs to contend with either.

With IBA on I can now get a much better cheek weld and sight picture. I don't know why the Army doesn’t do this mod to all of the M16A2s that they issue out of the CRC.

TR, my MOS was 98B :D

Thank you for the tip on the heavy buffer. I have a CMMG lower and CMMG complete upper and need to get a stock setup for it. Though I don't want to spend the money, it seems like the LMT SOPMOD is the way to go.