[acmillr]

I see questions from time to time pertaining to strut removal/replacement, so here's an in depth step by step to help even the most non-mechanically inclined person change out the shocks on an SN-95 Mustang.......



I will assume that you already know how to take off your front wheels and jack your car up, but laet's not forget to properly support the car before starting any work.


This is where we will be starting from. The front tire is removed, the car is jacked up and supported properly, and we have a clean area to work in.


Let's start by supporting the A-arm with a small jack. Minimal pressure is needed to assure that the A-arm doesn't come down when we remove the strut tower bolts.....



Next, let's remove the three tower bolts connecting the strut to the strut tower...





OK, now that we've got the strut loose from the tower, let's focus our attention on removing the lower strut from the spindle assembly. First, we'll remove the two caliper retention bolts denoted by my finger and the wrench shown in the picture....


Carrying on, we'll pull the caliper back to allow the strut bolts to be removed. Note: it is not necessary to reve the caliper. We just need to pull it back slightly to allow proper clearance.


Now, we will locate and remove the two large nuts and bolts holding the strut to the spindles assembly.


First, let's remove the small nut holding the ABS line to the spindle assembly. Note: non-ABS model cars will not have this wire.


OK, let's remove those large bolts.


Next, we will drive the bolts out of their respective locations to allow strut removal....


This is what you should have at this point.


This would be an excellent time to stop and get a dip. I suggest Grizzly. It has a great taste and it is more inexpensive than other brands....

[SWEET2KSTANG]

no beer required???

[acmillr]

Remove the strut from the car and place it on a bench or other accessible work area. We'll start the strut disassembly by removing the top retaining nut fromthe strut in oprder to retrieve all the parts and pieces we need to use again on the new assembly. Use a wrench and vise grips for this procedure. Hold the top of the strut shaft with the vise grips and remove the nut with the appropriate wrench..


Use a screwdriver to hold the shaft from spinning when the vise-grips run out of room to be used.



Remove all parts and pieces from the strut and lay them out. This is what you should have.


Notice the internal bushing in the upper assembly. Be careful that this piece does not fall out and get misplaced.




Go ahead and clean all of the old parts while you're at this point and let's start assembling the new strut assembly. First, we'll slide on the rubber bumper.


Next, the plastic boot slides over the shaft...


Third, place the caster/camber mount on top of the boot...


Now, we'll place the top plate on top.


Use the same vise-grip/wrench technique to install the nut back onto the new strut.

[acmillr]

Now, let's put the strut into the tower and place two nuts in place to hold the strut while we work. Note: do not tighten these nuts yet.


Replace the two bolts holding the strut to the spindle assembly.


Replace the two nuts on the two retention bolts and tighten them down.


Next, replace the ABS retention bracket and hold down nut if required.



Tighten up the strut tower caster/camber plate. Remember to make sure that the plate is still in the starting location. It would be a good idea to check front end alignment, but it is not required if the plate has remained stable during replacement.



Replace the front tire and let the car down. See, it's not hard at all...

[andres0286]

How much should you tighten the nut?

[acmillr]

Originally Posted by SWEET2KSTANG no beer required???

Notice empty bottles in first pic....

[acmillr]

Originally Posted by andres0286 How much should you tighten the nut?

Which nut?

[SWEET2KSTANG]

edit: didnt see that

[00vabchgt]

nice write-up and great pics, AC
this should be a Sticky...

[GTsetGO]

Originally Posted by 00vabchgt nice write-up and great pics, AC It's a good thing this is a Sticky...

fixt and thanks.

[acmillr]

Thanks for the props, fellas'.....

[hardhitter]

Just a note, you don't need to pull the calipers back.

[JoshC!]

great write up

[acmillr]

Originally Posted by hardhitter Just a note, you don't need to pull the calipers back.

Actually, my bolts won't come out without pulling the caliper back. 04GTampa has a 99 model and we don't have to pull his back, but mine is tighter.

[hardhitter]

Originally Posted by acmillr Actually, my bolts won't come out without pulling the caliper back. 04GTampa has a 99 model and we don't have to pull his back, but mine is tighter.

Hmm, I guess the 99s are different? I had no problems fitting the sockets on.

[acmillr]

^You can fit the socket on fine on both models, but I can't get the top strut nolt removed with the caliper in place. the head of the bolt would jam on the caliper....

[04GTAMPA]

There are some weird shit different in the 99 that I can't figure out why, from my 04.

Nice write up. Reps+

[andres0286]

Use the same vise-grip/wrench technique to install the nut back onto the new strut.

This nut. Great Post, Reps

[acmillr]

Originally Posted by andres0286 Use the same vise-grip/wrench technique to install the nut back onto the new strut. This nut. Great Post, Reps

Just tighten it until it locks down...

[silver99gt]

great write up ac, i had found another write up on how to do this, but this is hands down better! Reps man!