Strut Swap - Top Hat Nut Access?

[Diverdown3]

I now have a complete set of used struts and shocks so I can have them rebuilt and simply swap in fresh when done. My question is for those who've already tackled this. How do you get to those top hat nuts? Looks awful tight, especially for those nearest the engine block. Do you come in from the wheel well or from the top? In either case, are you simply using a wrench (wheel well) or ratchet, extension and socket (top)?

 

[Old-Raptor-guy]

drivers side from the top not to bad. passengers side remove the battery and battery tray. There is some padding for deading sound over the top, just lift it out of the way.

Ratchet, extension and swivel socket

 

[Diverdown3]

drivers side from the top not to bad. passengers side remove the battery and battery tray. There is some padding for deading sound over the top, just lift it out of the way.

Ratchet, extension and swivel socket

Thanks man!

 

[letsgetthisdone]

flat ratcheting wrench get in there just fine.

 

[TomDirt]

flat ratcheting wrench get in there just fine.

True. And the lost skin on your knuckles will eventually grow back.

 

[TomDirt]

Ratchet, extension and swivel socket

And an ink marker to align the top hat bolt pattern with the bolt pattern on the shock bucket.

 

[Diverdown3]

And an ink marker to align the top hat bolt pattern with the bolt pattern on the shock bucket. View attachment 454330

Ooh, Nice! That's hard to do with regular vehicle struts, let alone heavy Raptor struts.

 

[letsgetthisdone]

True. And the lost skin on your knuckles will eventually grow back.

Ever heard of work gloves? lol