I think the strut mount bearing is OK...you're right about having enough room to get spring compressors installed due to interferences in the shock tower. I can get them on but not sure how effective...only two/three coils engaged...it is very troubling, when you're not sure which components are taking the spring load...it could be the sway bar...or it could be the remains of the strut ie.piston rod bound in piston housing and bound in the strut tube. As the suspension lowers, the face of the rotor leans out at the end of travel. Its just a few degrees but noticable. Not sure if this is normal non linear motion in the suspension at the extent of travel or displacement in the strut as described above. My plan is to put a jack under the ball joint. Connect the spring compressors as best I can. Disconnect the sway bar. Loosen the mounting bolts in the engine compartment. Slowly lower the jack under the ball joint to see if the spring is contained. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the input. '88 740GL