'96 Windstar strut replacement

I’m ready to replace the struts on my 96 Windstar, 3.8. Both the Ford shop manual and other manuals I have say that I need to remove the CV halfshaft from the steering knuckle to get enough clearance to slide out the strut. Does any one know if this is really required? If I just remove the tie-rod and lower ball joint, will I be able to move the steering knuckle down enough (with the halfshaft still attached) to remove the strut?

I’m ready to replace the struts on my 96 Windstar, 3.8. Both the Ford shop manual and other manuals I have say that I need to remove the CV halfshaft from the steering knuckle to get enough clearance to slide out the strut. Does any one know if this is really required? If I just remove the tie-rod and lower ball joint, will I be able to move the steering knuckle down enough (with the halfshaft still attached) to remove the strut?

No you do NOT have to remove the cv shaft. You can just losen the mounting bolts from strut to front hub and also there is a torsion linkage that has to come off then use a long pry bar and pry down on the lower control arm till the hub slides off the strut. Then remove the top strut bolts. Keep in mind it is possible to remove the strut without removing the wipers and the plastic cover that runs across that area.. however it is much easier to do if you do remove these items. I recomend taking off the hood also for easy access. If you do not remove the plastic cover you will almost surely have to drill a hole in it to get a socket onto the strut. 1 more note when you go to have it lined back up after replacing the strut's I have been told that they cannot do camber/caster without removing that same plastic cover.. so if you do remove it to change teh struts you might as well leave it off so the line up shot can line you up 100%.

I just did the fronts on my 96. Getting the assembly in and out was far more difficult than compressing the spring and changing out the strut. I too recommend removing the cowl so you can access the top bolts (3) on each strut. I don't really think the hood is necesssary. I can't say that it would be impossible to do without pulling the CV shaft and completely removing the steering knuckle, but I think it would be quite the wrestling match. FWIW I don't think pulling the shaft out is all that bad. Autozone can rent you the shaft pulling (pushing really) tool, and a tie rod end tool as well. I did it the way the Ford manual said and it was a big job but doable. As to the camber adjustment, I belive if it is off, a shop can drill out the welds at the top where the strut bolts in to provide adjustment, otherwise it is tie rod end only. I have not had this done.

Good Luck

Thanks for the help! This should really help me out. I've done struts on a number of vehicles before, but it seems that Ford just has a way of making it a little more difficult. Next to tackle the struts on my Sable, the design looks similar.

Thanks for the help! This should really help me out. I've done struts on a number of vehicles before, but it seems that Ford just has a way of making it a little more difficult. Next to tackle the struts on my Sable, the design looks similar.
Yep for one its front wheel drive and Ford jambs the motors in there tight.