Replacing Rear Struts - Top Access?

[vesnyder]

I am planning on replacing my rear struts and am trying to figure how I can get in there and remove the nut on top of the rear strut? I have an '83 SC and getting access to to the strut seems near impossible. The drivers side doesn't seem too bad, but the passengers side? What all can I remove to get better access. Any tricks? I guess I could drop the engine?

[VincentVega]

I installed new shocks on the rear of my SC last year. It wasnt the toughest job, but wasnt a cake walk either. Like you mentioned the drivers side isnt that bad, remove the fan and you should get in there ok. For the passenger side I removed the CIS boot to give me a little more room. I dont know if you have too, but it helped a little. Caution: removing the boot was easy. Getting it back on took a while, it goes on very tight. Also, if you remove it check it to make sure there are no cracks, it can get brittle over the years and add some false air to the system.

Gook luck!