1998 Windstar Struts Tips Or Replacement Suggestions

Can't say we found any shortcuts when we did the front on ours. Good luck, not the most fun job.

I haven't done them Mark, so I look forward to your thread on it.

I've done them... It's not all that bad. Hardest part is taking off the springs. But you purchased the strut assembly so your battle is 1/2 done.
remove windshield wipers & cowl, jack car remove tire. Remove upper support bracket from strut remove wheel sensor bracket from strut,remove tie rod end,remove pinch bolt from lower strut, Remove 3 nuts from strut mount.

I'm not totally sure but I think the sockets you'll need is 19mm, 18mm, 13mm,10mm & 8mm. I used a 13mm wrench to break the 3 top nuts then used a 1/4 inch drive ratchet.

printman31 said:

I'm not totally sure but I think the sockets you'll need is 19mm, 18mm, 13mm,10mm & 8mm. I used a 13mm wrench to break the 3 top nuts then used a 1/4 inch drive ratchet.

Click to expand...

Seems like a 22 or 24mm socket was needed also when we did mine.

I recall someone mentioning that they had removed the cowel to get to those top three bolts, and that made it easier.
Dave was that you?

One other thing.. Unless you know another way. I wouldn't remove the 3 top nuts for the strut mount until you have the strut separated from the spindle/steering knuckle..That lower control arm/ball joint can be a little stiff... I just used my fat arse & stood on it.That got it loose & then it was just a bit of maneuvering knuckle around until they were totally separated. It's a bit easier if you have a small come a long to pull the control down from the strut.

Maybe next week I will try this job, thanks all for the suggestions!

Mark V:

I did the front strut change couple years ago and overall the process was smooth. Here are few photos from back then:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157607545221127/with/2891234725/

newbie321

This is awesome, thank you for the photos.

I can see now the axle does not need to be removed now.

I really appreciate the photos!

newbie321 said:

Mark V:

I did the front strut change couple years ago and overall the process was smooth. Here are few photos from back then:
Strut Change - a set on Flickr

newbie321

Click to expand...

Mark,

This would probably be a good opportunity for another How To: in the Windstar section also.

Yes it is in the works, I just need some time to put it together when I get my struts on!

Thank you all who posted and the pics were a great help in understanding. am off to tackle unbolting 24 hours before i am leaving on vacation typical for a spring to break huh? will post back with anything i learn and am done, thank you all!

Most jobs on Ford's are easier by comparison to other vehicle makes but not the struts. Fords are the hardest to do and if you get one step out of order the dificulty ramps up fast. Good luck.