Boys and Girls,

Amongst other projects, the time is coming to replace the front shocks/struts on my '02 V6. Is it really as simple as the manual suggests? Raise the front end, remove the wheels, and undo the 4 bolts at the top and one at the bottom? From there, I'll need to compress the springs to replace the shock itself. I have a Powerbuilt #948019 spring compressor set. Anybody used this style or similar?:

https://www.powerbuilt.com/collectio...ing-compressor




Or am I better off to spend a bit more and get a complete spring/shock assembly? Compressing big springs always make me nervous, but I've always looped a chain inside to catch the spring on the slim chance it escapes from the compressor.

 

I have those and they work great. Easy on and off and trustworthy. The 4 bolts on top and the lower mount bolt off and then leverage the lower a arm down after removing the sway bar link. It flops out quick so be ready. Install is easier with an extra person to start nuts after you get it thru the top holes. And of course a good vise to hold the strut for compressing

 

Thanks, good to know.

If I unbolted both struts, it is necessary to undo the sway bar link? With both struts disconnected, it would seem the sway bar would let both A arms droop down together. Or was it just easier to disconnect the sway bar and work one side at a time?

 

I just did one side at a time. Easier for me that way moving tools only once

 

widowmaker like that is how i do the facelift ones.

wall mount branick goes sideways