is it possible to replace the front upper strut mounts in an 86 coupe gt without a spring compressor, I didn't think so, but i just read a post that made me think it wouldn't be a problem... any help would be great.

 

No, you need to compress the springs to remove the top mount,please do not remove the strut top mount bolt without the spring being compressed with the correct compressor!

 

If you have an Autozone in your town, you can use their loaner program and use a spring compressor and other tools (socket for axle nut, tie rod end puller (I had to use a larger pitman arm puller on my 4000) ball joint separater (I prefer to remove the control arm bolts rather than mess with the ball joint) and various other tools.

You pay a deposit per item, but get all of your deposit returned when you return the tools. All in all, it's a great service.

When I did the struts on my 4000, I had a garage near my house impact off the very top nut (and retighten with a manageble torque for my hand tools), then I drove the car home and set to work.

The strut tower can be removed from the vehicle with out spring compressors, however, a spring compressor MUST be used when you loosen the strut mount bushing (the circular nut with two slots that sets the strut mount).

Once the springs are compressed, take a screw driver to the strut mount bushings and tap on alternate sides with a hammer to loosen the strut mount bushing. (It should come off with just a little effort).

Your strut mount should slide right off once the strut mount bushing is removed. If you are just changing your strut mounts, put the new mount on, screw in a new strut mount bushing, and away you go to the alignment shop.

If you are changing struts, remove the spring and spring plate, secure the strut housing in a vise or other object (a dumpster worked perfectly fine for me) and unscrew the strut cap with a pipe wrench.

Once the strut is out, reassemble, reinstall, align and enjoy.

-- tom

 

I actually did it once, without any problems. I laid the strut assembly on the ground (on its side), placed a sheet of plywood over the strut assembly (leaving it close enough to one edge of plywood) and took an air gun to it and removed the top bolt. When it came apart, the strut slid about a foot but stayed under the plywood. I was putting lower spring on, so putting back together was a snap, could just use your hand to push spring down far enough to get the top bolt back one. If you are just careful, it can be done...by no means am I condoning this method.