• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

How to tighten strut

  • Thread starter Thread starter loudexhaust
  • Start date Start date Aug 15, 2007
L

loudexhaust

New Member
May 13, 2006
99
0
0
Aug 15, 2007
#1
  • Aug 15, 2007
  • #1
I'm replacing the struts on my 91. When I try t tighten the rod, the piston just spins. How do I get this thing tight?
 

Wallzy

New Member
Aug 20, 2006
128
0
0
Orlando, FL
Aug 15, 2007
#2
  • Aug 15, 2007
  • #2
Use an impact gun.
 
8

87'GTstang

New Member
Feb 16, 2004
1,025
0
0
Aug 15, 2007
#3
  • Aug 15, 2007
  • #3
Wallzy said:
Use an impact gun.
Click to expand...

Ditto. You need the instantaneous torque of something like an impact gun.
 

ninety15.0

New Member
Mar 10, 2004
1,336
0
0
Aug 15, 2007
#4
  • Aug 15, 2007
  • #4
Well what i did was take the largest flat head screw driver you have and a set of vice grips. Put the flat head in the slot on the top of the strut piston. Then take the vice grips and grab the shaft of the screwdriver down really low. Then just take a box end wrench and tighten the strut piston nut while using the vicegrips and screwdriver to hold the piston steady. Worked for me when i did my caster camber plates in my apartment parking lot without air tools. An impact gun works wonderfully!! But sometimes all you have is hand tools...good luck man
 

ShortThrow50

Member
Oct 22, 2006
923
2
16
Pa
Aug 15, 2007
#5
  • Aug 15, 2007
  • #5
I bought a 75 dollar cordless impact wrench from pep boys that has 200 pounds of torque. I Bought it after wrestling for an hour trying to do what you trying to do. Brought it home, charged it up for about 10 minutes, and BLAMMM! Blew that *****er right off. Works great putting the new ones on too
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Aug 15, 2007
#6
  • Aug 15, 2007
  • #6
Ninety15.0's method is how I've been doing them for awhile. If you have a set of prybars that are like a long flat-head screwdriver with a bend near the tip, they fit the slot nicely and provide good leverage.

Good luck.
 

larrendeuce

Member
Sep 13, 2003
649
1
19
Southern NJ
Aug 15, 2007
#7
  • Aug 15, 2007
  • #7
There is a tool called a drag link socket, looks kinda like a flat head but its thicker and made just for this job. Should be able to get one from snap on, matco, or even try craftsman.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Engine Pushrod Length Question
  • germain101
  • Sep 22, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
524
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 25, 2025
Noobz347
Suspension Harsh Ride
  • PonyGTrider
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3 4
Replies
62
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 11, 2026
Noobz347
Suspension Shock install ?
  • DemonGT
  • Feb 10, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
171
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 10, 2025
91AOD5.0LX
Drivetrain How much resistance, if any at all, is normal on a new 1st gear and synchro on a WC T5 transmission?
  • sleep-e
  • Jan 21, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
214
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 22, 2026
sleep-e
C
Drivetrain TV cable replacement--aftermarket or search other models?
  • chazmanaz
  • Dec 21, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
293
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 22, 2025
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?