Could not get spring/strut out

[Bdang777]

I have a 2005 Explorer Advance Trac and I loosened the top three nuts and removed. Then took out the bottom bolt and could not get the unit out. It was like if the arm went down a few more inches it would have come right out. I had the arm hanging all the way down. Also should I be able to drop the unit down through the bottom mount space, to tip the top out? What is the trick?

 

[apenland01]

You don't say if it is the front or rear, but if it is the rear, you will need to gently pry the LCA down to get that extra half inch or so to get it out. The fronts should just drop out, as you take it down through the LCA and it will just pop out from the top.

 

[Bdang777]

You don't say if it is the front or rear, but if it is the rear, you will need to gently pry the LCA down to get that extra half inch or so to get it out. The fronts should just drop out, as you take it down through the LCA and it will just pop out from the top.

It is the rear, seems like it needed more like 3 inches, but I was not pushing down on the arm. Thanks for your help. I will give it another shot.

 

[TechGuru]

Loosen the two bolts for the control arm so the rubber bushings can move, otherwise you're going to tear them if you force it down. Re-tighten when done at ride height.