HOW TO PUT STRUTS ON

Removal
CAUTION:DO NOT damage stabilizer bar link ball stud seals. DO NOT over-extend drive axle shaft during removal, as CV joint components may separate.

Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Ensure steering column is not locked. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove stabilizer bar link from strut. Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt. Push down on steering knuckle until strut and spring assembly is free of steering knuckle. Wire axle shaft to body to maintain level position. Partially lower vehicle. Remove and discard 3 top mount-to-strut tower nuts. Remove strut and spring assembly.
Disassembly & Reassembly
Compress spring using Spring Compressor (086-0029B). Place a 10-mm box-end wrench on top of strut shaft and hold while removing top shaft nut using 21-mm, 6-point crowfoot wrench and ratchet. See Fig. 2. Remove top mount bracket assembly, bearing and seal assembly, and spring insulator. See Fig. 3.
To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Check spring insulator, and bearing and seal assembly for binding or rough rotation. Replace as necessary. Ensure upper mount washers are installed in correct orientation. Ensure spring insulator is not damaged. DO NOT over tighten strut rod lock nut. Tighten strut rod lock nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Fig. 2: Removing Strut Top Shaft Mounting Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fig. 3: Exploded View Of Front Strut Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification.