HELP...How do I remove rear springs and struts as a whole?

[MN97SatinBlack]

How do I remove rear springs and struts as a whole? I know you raise the vehicle on a jackstand (not on suspension but frame) three bolts on the top (under back window carpet) and one on the bottom (on strut above spindle) But when I do this, there is still not enough to wiggle the shock and strut up and out togtheras a whole to replace from typical noise and SAG... Can anyone tell me how to do this without disassembling the spindle and brake system? Or is that what your supposed to do? Thank you! THANK YOU! If you have the answer!! Untill I get an answer, I'll roll in a car that sags in the back while I keep hearing "Dude, YOUR CAR IS LOW IN THE BACK" :corn:

 

[SableSal]

You're going to want to disassemble the rear suspension. Which means the control arms, trailing arm and all... it's the easiest way.

They are just bolts.




Sal

 

[Mr Anonymous]

You need to disconnect the following, and the following only:

3 strut mount nuts (you got those covered)
1 pinch bolt (got that covered too)
1 or 2 endlink nuts depending on design
SARC connecter for '96-'98 struts

That's it. There's no reason to disassemble another single nut or bolt. Once all the fasteners are out, just whack the top of the spindle with a small sledge hammer several times and the spindle will slide down off of the strut. If you have a helper with a long prybar to wedge between the lower control arms and apply pressure while you go at it with the hammer it will go even faster.

 

[mustangmann]

Mr. Anonymous has it correct, you should just be albe to pry that bottom hub assembly down far enough once you disconnect the swar bar links. I just did this all a couple of weeks ago. Make sure you use plenty of never sieze on these bolts and nuts when you put back together for ease of taking them off again if need be. Mine had never been off in 170,000 miles and were pretty rusted and had to use heat to get everyone off.

 

[godspunk32]

I just did this for the second time on a SLO (same setup as SHO, minus the SARC connector). Be careful with the bolts, as the ping bolt likes to break off...use plenty of PB Blaster.

To get the strut out of the spindle, leave the top bolts tightened to give you leverage, and start banging on the top of the spindle with a rubber mallet. It will take some time, but it'll come out eventually. Remove the caliper and rotor so that you have a good surface to bang on. When I did this last weekend, the guy's car had rear drums, so I had a great spot to beat on to get the strut out. When you've gotten it out of the spindle, take the three top bolts out and drop the strut and spring out together. To get the new strut/spring setup back in, manueuver it into place and connect the top bolts, but leave them loose. Have a buddy push down on the spindle and slide the strut tube into the spindle from the outside edge, since that will be the lowest point. You might need to compress the spring slightly once its in the car so that you can turn the strut to get the tab aligned in the spindle. After you get it located, replace the ping bolt, use plenty of never-seize, then tighten those top bolts down. I've found that some never-seize on the bottom of the strut tube helps the strut into the spindle more easily.

JR