austin944

Here's my improvised tool for installing the hood struts -- a Sears 1/2" breaker bar that has a "channel" in the middle to prevent the strut from slipping sideways, and some duct tape to help grip the strut against the bar.

Install the strut at the top, secure the hood to prevent it from cracking the windshield, pull up on the breaker bar while steadying the strut with the other hand, and pop it in. Probably been done before.

I only tried this on the driver's side after busting my fingers on the passenger side strut. Now, onto replacing the clutch master and slave cylinders.

Van

Hmm... I've had good luck attaching the bottom first, then pressing down on the strut a little to compress it enough to get the pin into the top mount.

Darwantae951

I never had to use any tools when replacing my struts. Everything went quite smooth.

macho_mango

I had to do somthing similar. Used the rubberized shaft from a steering wheel lock.

apierce918

same here, just muscle it in alice

75ohm

I grab a hold of the bastard and show it who owns who. One time I had to weld the stub back on the car because it popped off. Now that was interesting.

Luis de Prat

Nice suggestion, but it also works to just leave the new shocks in the freezer overnight and they'll go in soft as butter.

Darwantae951

Only thing I had to be careful about was not cracking the windshield...I was slightly paranoid due to improper install of my LAST windshield.

future

Not heard or tried that before ... Now I'll have to give that a go

Jay W

Yes the freezer idea is brilliant!

F18Rep

Ha... BTDT ..;]