Thank You All very much!

I posted here nearly a month ago needing advice about tools and replacing struts. Many of you responded with excellent tips and links.


Today I finished the job. I have posted photos on my blog showing the assembly in different stages.
www.hotcrowd.wordpress(dot)com
The two most difficult steps were removing the top strut to mount nut and the cartridge retaining collar nut.
Discount Tire here in Franklin loosened the top nuts for me, no charge.
The cartridge nut required a lot of hammer tapping using a big box wrench and lots of PB blaster penetrant/lubricant sprayed on. Hammer, spray, wait, go to other side to work on strut, back and forth from strut to strut.

All the new parts went it much easier. I need to re-torque the top nut and cartridge nut just a little more in the morning. On the test drive I heard a small tap/slap sound from the assemblies when going over choppy bumps.

Those nuts take a great amount of tightning. Yes?

Hope this helps the next person undertaking this task. Best wishes and success.

My car rides like new up front. Lovin' it!

Brandon