So this Memorial day I took the task to install some Raceland coil overs on my 2007 is350. Look at YouTube videos It didn't look like to bad of a job so I attempted it. One side went on easy everything was like the video said. Until I got to the other side. I did everything right until it got to the part of taking the strut out. When I try to get it out there was no play, nothing like the other side. I tried to push down the lower control arm and still no play there either. i started to take and the end links to see if that would give me some more play but for frustrated and hopped on the forms. Its a 2007 with 160K and I have no clue if there were ever changed, I sprayed it down with WD-40 to see if that will help but idk. If anyone had a similar problem how did you get it out because this is the only thing holding me back. And yes its disconnected the top and sprayed down with WD-40 too any ideas will help.

 

Did you undo the sway bar link?
Moving the floor jack to a different spot should release the tension.

 

Yea did just not all the way. The strut was stuck in like the lower control arm. Ended up just taking an angle saw to the spring and that got it loose. Was really sketchy with the fully tensions spring but I got it out and everything is fine. Started on the rear and now having a problem with the strut bolt in the drivers rear. I'm probably just going to end up getting some new bolts all around and start collecting parts to revamp all the suspension just looking at it.

 

how many miles does your car have?

 

The only thing holding the lower arm up at that point was the lower arm bushings and the sway bar end link. If you had both front wheels off the ground and loosened the bushings (should be done to reset position after replacement anyway), it should have come out relatively easily.

Cutting the spring works I guess, but should not have been required, haha.

Jeff