Tools Needed:
- Jack, jack stands, lug wrench
- Ratchet (18mm and 21mm hex socket, torx bit: T-25?, and a torx socket: E8)
- Box wrench (21mm)
- Vice Grips
- Slotted Screwdriver (thick for prying)
Tools Recommended:
- PB Blaster (or some kind of lube)
- Air Impact Wrench
- Spring Compressor
1. REMOVE THE STRUT ASSEMBLY
Follow this awesome video made by Linksep to remove the strut assembly from your vehicle:
Now, assuming you have the means to do the actual swap yourself, then continue. Otherwise, do as Linksep recommended in the video and take them to a competent shop to remove the spring and change it over to the new strut.
Continuing on...
2. SEPARATE SPRING FROM STRUT
I recommend using a spring compressor to safely remove the spring from your strut assembly, as a point of writing this how-to. You can rent one from Autozone with a deposit, but it is ultimately free.
Compress the spring and, using an impact wrench, remove the nut on the top of the assembly. Use PB Blaster to lube and remove the rust if you need to.
- *note: it is not required to use an impact wrench but it helps tremendously. If you don't have access to an impact, then it can be done with hand tools. A box wrench (21mm) and a torx bit (T-25?) are needed.
3. REPLACE WITH FE5 STRUT
Swap the spring, upper strut mounts, bump stops, dust covers, and plastic spring seats over to the new strut.
*Not pictured: lower plastic spring seat
Your struts should have come with a new nut to use on the top of the assembly. Using the impact wrench, put it all together. Use the hand tools to torque it down. (21mm box wrench and ratchet with a torx bit, T-25?)
REINSTALL THE ASSEMBLY
Exact opposite of removal. Watch the video again if you need to.
If any of this info is wrong, please correct me. I've only done struts a couple of times and wrote this completely from memory. I'll update it if necessary.
