I have a set of new struts for the trunk/boot lid. What is the best way to swap them out?
I cannot reach the back part of the strut, just behind the back seat. Do I need to remove the seat back from the back seat?
If so, how is this done?

 

Nope, it is all done through the boot. Very easy if you happen to have the fuel tank out for pump renewal, which is how I did my first set.
Otherwise, a bit of a struggle, to the point I only changed one side - the easier one - and stashed my other new strut with the spare tire for later. A little foggy now, but I believe the easy side is the right side, opposite the fuel filler - the fill neck complicates access to the forward attachment.

A study of the clips will show you that the strut ends just pop onto the ***** and then you snap the clips down in place. It is really quite simple, except for access to the forward ends. Toughest part is probably removing the forward end on the left side. You need to get a small spade screw-driver under the clip and pry it out to the "cocked" position, or else just pry the end off the ball and if the clip pops off and is lost, no big deal as you are replacing it with a new one. But either way, for the left side...that is one Loooooonnnngggggg screwdriver! and yet...smallish, too, to fit under the spring-clip

 

Or just get a heavy prybar and force the ball off the socket. The lift cylinder end will 'pop-off' the ball mounted in the boot with enough force and I have never damaged or broken a body mount but I suppose it is possible. I first tried it on one of MY PERSONAL cars before I attempted a customer car repair.

Fairly easy to 'pop' the ball end back on the lift cylinder even in the 'cavern' behind the fuel tank.

bob

 

Hi,

I replaced my trunk struts some time ago and made a tool to easily release the inner left clip. I hope it helps.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-heavy-173409/

 

Hey Bob,

How did you end up popping in the new trunk struts? Did you wack it?


1997 Jaguar XJ6 4.0 NA

 

I put a dab of grease on the lift cylinder cup and just pushed it into place.
The spring clip will open easily to engage the ball end.


bob