Replacing struts...

[Bryan]

So my car failed inspection and one of the things I was told was the struts are bad. Is it a easy enough job to get them out and put in new ones? I have been checking up here looking around and mostly from what I see is that stock struts have a longer 'tail' and won't as easily pop out of the spindle. I guess I should just do all four struts seeing as how they are all pretty old and most likely need to be replaced.

 

[Irish Pride]

Gen1 rear struts are longer than Gen2 rear struts. Either will work though. Loosen the strut rod nut and that gives you plenty of play to get them in and out.

 

[zoomlater]

I ended up using a saw to cut the long body ones in half on my early 92. If you cut high enough, you can miss the oil in them so it is not as messy. I'm not as flexible so I removed the rear package shelf in order to get to the top bolts in the trunk. I had a difficult time with my fronts, but found out later the trick is to detach the front sway bar (that wasn't written up in the guides I found)

 

[luigisho]

The job isn't too bad just be careful with spring compressor safety. If you have electric impact or air compressor tools it will go much faster. If it's your first time, budget extra time for a first run through learning curve. The good news is that the design and instructions are the same for a regular Taurus so info should be easier to find

 

[Bryan]

Yeah I got a compressor and air tools. I still need to wait and see just how much needs to be repaired. So far they have told me the struts and tie rods so I need to take care of them as well... I knew the car needed some work, but it seems now that the last owner just let the car deteriorate so much with the lack of maintenance and was more concerned with putting super dark tint in the windows and adding cosmetic changes. I assume the rabbit hole is going to go deeper with parts needing to be replaced. Guess thats what happens when it sits on one place for a year.

 

[rubydist]

Yes, but the vehicle will be much safer and more fun to drive with proper suspension parts, so its all good.

 

[luigisho]

I knew the car needed some work, but it seems now that the last owner just let the car deteriorate so much with the lack of maintenance and was more concerned with putting super dark tint in the windows and adding cosmetic changes. I assume the rabbit hole is going to go deeper with parts needing to be replaced. Guess thats what happens when it sits on one place for a year.

You're preaching to the choir around here about that. I can't think of a system that I haven't had to repair or attempted and then pay someone before I burned it to the ground. As long as it's mechanical and easy to access you're ahead of the game.

 

[98SF19]

Might as well do ball joints and sway bar links while you're at it. Just don't get carried away, like going crazy painting the parts or anything.