Need desperate help installing springs

[christpuncher]

I for the life of me cannot figure out how to get the third bolt on the driverside front strut. It seems completely inaccessable. I've tried extensions and cant seem to get it. I've been trying for hours.

I've installed a lot of springs on a lot of cars, and this has me stumped. Please tell me there is a trick I'm overlooking.

[mightyversa]

Looks like your going to have to put that nut on first and have someone patiently hold the assembly until the screw on the mounts just erect out of the hole. I guess you should use the box end and just work it tight

[christpuncher]

Doh. Sorry, I can't get the bolt OFF the strut assembly. I haven't even gotten to the on part yet. I have to be missing something.

[Onyxblue]

Bulld0g wrote a while ago a howto article. Just do a search in the forum.

[mightyversa]

So what you are saying is that you cannot get the strut mount retaining nut off. The large 18mm (I am guessing) nut holding the whole spring and mount and strut together??? If so, then take some vicegrips and grip the highest point of the strut rod (the mirror finished shaft) and grip it tight and then take the impact and zip it off, keeping in mind that you have the spring compressor on.

[Red Devil]

This is where proper tools will help. You need to, if possible, find someone with a proper spring compressor. Trying to do it without one is difficult and more importantly, very unsafe. The last thing you need is the spring or strut coming off, smacking you in the face and possibly killing you.

[blindsnyper]

you need to go through the rubber oval plugs that are just inside the hood hinges by about 2", dont drop the bolts!!

[christpuncher]

blind_snyper sorted it out. That and this picture.

http://img238.imageshack.us/im...9.jpg

[mightyversa]

oh thats what you meant, lol, misunderstood!

[Grace's ReVersa]

The easiest way to get to the third nut is to take off the windshield wipers and remove the entire front cowl. It sounds like a lot of work , but you can get a straight shot at it. A few posts back someone mentioned going through the plug. That is good option, but if you drop the nut its gone and youll wind up having to take the whole front apart anyways!There should be a series of clips holding the cowl to the top of the firewall. I believe theres about six of them total.Good Luck!