I'm in the process of replacing my Mac Struts on my 89 Electra.

I got all the nuts removed fine, but the bottom of the strut seems to have binded against a suspension piece.

At this stage, normally the bottom of the strut generally drops down and the whole strut can be finessed from the wheel well.

Any help would be appreciated.

To elaborate, I was able to remove the two horizontal bolts attaching the strut to the steering knuckle as well as the three nuts at the upper mount, i.e., in the engine compartment.

Need to compress it.

What carfixer007 said ^^^^^^^

. . . and/or lift the chassis up to allow the suspension to go down.

It'* been a minute since I've had chance to work on the Electra.

It was a bear, but I was able to remove the existing strut, by compressing it in situ -- i.e.,on the car. Not the greatest, but did give me the room to remove the strut.

I placed the old strut (uncompressed) next to the new quick strut, and they seem to be the same length. I was assuming the old strut was original and was sagging out of shape, and longer. (lol)

So I'm guessing I have to find a way to compress the new sturt -- or make more room. It doesn't seem at all maneuverable into position.

Any detailed advice on how to do this? There are suggestions to "lift the chassis up" but I'm working on the ground and have the side of the car jacked up.

Thanks

I can't tell from the picture if it is the spring that is maintaining that length, and/or if it is the strut. If it is just the strut, I've had good luck using a ratchet strap on the back side of the strut (the side facing the engine). If it is the spring and the strut, then same deal, just use spring compressors to compress the spring as needed.