Dear Members,

I need to replace the front upper control arms on my 2000 3.0 S-type, and I will be replacing the vertical stabilizer bars as well.

I know that I need to remove the shock struts to replace the upper control arms. My question is that if I disconnect the vertical stabilizer bars, will this allow the lower control arms to drop far enough so that the shocks can be removed and replaced without a spring compressor being needed?

 

Hello cppeabody, and greetings from Australia.

Answers to your questions (and much more) all covered in detail in JTIS - words, pics, and a methodical sequence you can step through before picking up your first spanner. There are safety considerations to observe, so rather a than quick throw-away answer, you will be better served by first downloading here (Stickys at top of section) then come back for any clarification you need.

OK? Please don't see this as a brush off. It was the best advice I received too many years ago. If it was true then, back in the days of factory printed workshop manuals that cost an arm and a leg, how much more appropriate when all the info you should start with is just a few clicks away?
Best wishes and keep us posted,
Ken

 

The answer is no. There isn't enough clearance without removing the shock/spring unit.
And JTIS download is single best thing you can do.