um...I wouldn't drive it either...
thats not safe at all.
I had my fronts replaced a few summers ago- but I also had them replace the steering plates at the top of the housing. They already have the strut out anyway, and when they finally go- you wont have the hassle of paying for the labout twice, alingment twice... Plus, the difference in the steering is without words.
I know that you said that cash is tight but I would not drive your car until shes fixed....
the cash will come.. ;)

ok now, i know someone is gonna kill me, but i finally got the struts, i got a couple gabriel ultras from AutoZone...so yeah, problem, don't know how to install them...don't have the money to have them done...so where is a how to strut for my gen..?

EDIT: yeah i went to techinfo but it wont load right....

wow thats scarry, brings back memorys of when my controll arm broke

umm does anyone know the torx bits sizes i will need for this job? I have none and have to muster

do i need to take the caliper ooff to make sure it does not pull too hard on the brake line the the hub is just hanging there?

I truly hate rebuilding struts or anything with large springs in them. Be sure you have a good spring compressor to take those apart, Autozone will probably rent one for cheap. Be careful, make sure it won't slip. If it does, you won't have a chance of getting out of the way and could get seriously injured or killed. That could ruin your whole day. Now you know why I hate working with springs.

Try to get ahold of a torque wrench for reassembly. That tends to be very important on suspension work.

If you're careful, you can leave the caliper in place, just don't let it hang by the brake hose. Wire up the knuckle so it's supported.

It's not nearly as bad as ball joints, so be careful, think about what you're doing and be careful on reassembly. Double check your work, your life is riding on it.

[quote="wjcollier07"]the only 2 people i know if in my area-ish...are toddster and 2seater...there are probably more, but none that are really active members.

I do have a set of strut compressors. I will throw them in the car. You do need to be careful, caution is advised, but this can be done. The suggestion of used ones as a complete assembly is also good. The guys on the corner at the Co-Op may be able to help you too. I have had work done by them and they were fair. You know where I work, extension 17 or ask for Hal.

ok all, i finally tore into this problem...took out the strut, and assembled new strut and now all i have to do is install the dang thing and then start on the other side. Here are some pics, i wil keep em coming as progress is made...

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Finally Totally Fixed
 

Well as of yesterday I am finished with my struts and front brakes...now all i need to do is the back brakes... here are some pics of my finished product

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There yah go, now I have an appt today for alignment at 7 pm and then on to more problems...such as the back brakes that grind...hmm...fun :roll: