Help with front struts?

dano40 · 08-03-2007, 08:42 PM

I installed my rear shocks (wagon) without a problem, but now I am having a hard time getting the old struts off of the front end. Do I really have to take the entire huB off? I don't have a puller and it seems like I just need another 1/2 inch of clearance to be able to pull the loosened lower end of the strut free. Is there some trick to doing this easier? Can I just remove the lower ball joint? I have pulled off the steering endlink, swaybar link and brake caliper and disk. Thanks, Dan

RickMN · 08-05-2007, 02:03 PM

Well, they make a special tool to pry the knuckle down and out to pop the strut out. It costs about $125. Or, you can loosen the engine cradle bolts on that side of the car only and support the cradle with a jack. That would allow you to lower the lower control arm. Either way, it's a very poorly designed system.

dano40 · 08-06-2007, 07:18 PM

Thanks Rick, I actually ordered one this weekend after doing some research on line. I found one for $90 including shipping at etoolcart. I figure I'll either sell it (the tool) to another ford owner in a forum or thru Ebay, since its so specialized. I don't plan on doing anymore ford struts in the near term and I certainly agree its a lousy design. A half inch more of clearance and I could have had it out. I'm putting new springs in while I have the struts apart since there is a recall for my year car for the springs. That will give me new springs, struts, endlinks, tierod ends and ball joints. I'm then adding a trans cooler and hopefully keeping it to 200k (only another 85k).

RickMN · 08-06-2007, 09:55 PM

OH jeez, if I had known you were going to fork out the money, I would have sold you mine

HBJJAM · 10-10-2008, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickMN

OH jeez, if I had known you were going to fork out the money, I would have sold you mine

how much you looking for it?

I plan on doing all 4 struts soon
I am just north of minneapolis and work in Maple Grove

jfjohn · 10-10-2008, 05:21 AM

It can't be rented from an auto parts store?

thebonster · 10-10-2008, 10:53 AM

Hi There:
As I have realized when I bought my 2000 taurus...the springs in the front were brand new
I have a broken spring in the back. it's going to cost me a mint to get it fixed. before winter sets in can you guys give me a better way to handle this? Thanks I appreciate your help

the bonster

thebonster · 10-10-2008, 11:02 AM

hello there,
I was wondering if you could tell me about FFV on my taurus. She starts but I see the lights and they go out until we get to the engine light pops up and stay shut. Any thing you can help me with?

thebonster

thebonster · 10-10-2008, 11:08 AM

Hi There:
they are going to charge me 180.00 on all 4 sides then 30.00 for the mechanic so this is going to be very interesting, sort of a friend of a friend is going to fix all around
180x4 how the hell am I gonna come up with the bread except that they be done side by side.

theoldwizard · 10-10-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebonster

Hi There:
As I have realized when I bought my 2000 taurus...the springs in the front were brand new
I have a broken spring in the back. it's going to cost me a mint to get it fixed. before winter sets in can you guys give me a better way to handle this? Thanks I appreciate your help

You can buy a Monroe 17616 strut assembly with spring for about $125 each plus shipping. I guessing labor to install this should be about $50 per side.

This is the way to go, new strut, new spring, pre-assembled.