I really hate to bring this up again, but...

I have searched the archives and seem to get conflicting stories on front strut cartridge replacement. I'm wondering if I can do it without removing the actual strut assembly from the car. Some say you can loosen the top nut, drive some pin out, compress the shock and be done with it. Others say it aint that easy. What gives? I'm working on an 87.

removing the strut makes using the spring compressor much easier and much safer. plus it is not that time consuming.

It is definately possible, but I think it depends on the strut type, ie Boge, Koni, Bilstien. I do not recall which is the "easy" type insert to R&R.

You must remove the strut (boge type) from the car to change the strut, but it's not difficult. You will need a drift, impact, and tie-rod separator. ON on 87, look at the bottom of the strut, you should see a tapered pin. Romove the nut, drive out the pin, use the tie rod separator to separate the strut from the ball joint. Remove the top bolt (on the strut tower inside the trunk) (this is where you need the impact. )

You must also remove the caliper and set it aside (no need to disconnect the fitting). To remove the insert nut, I used a large pipe wrend and a vise.

I am not sure if the struts are the same but I think so since they have torsion bar suspenson...

I replaced the inserts on my 71 without removing the struts. I have a Boge struts and installed Bilstein inserts. I was able to remove the top nut and compress the strut enough to clear the fender. Clearance is tight so be careful with the paint. It also worked best to turn the steering to get maximum clearance to the outside.

Installing the new inserts was the reverse except it took MUCH MORE force to compress the new inserts. YOu will probaly want to support the bottom of the hub for compression. Make sure you have everything in place before they are released. Hard to get back out. Good luck with the replacements.

Jamie
71 911T targa http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jpnovak