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How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

Created by Jude Horstman / 5 min read
Date Created: 10/6/2022
Last Updated: 5/17/2023

Removing the front strut from a 1979-2004 Mustang is needed for multiple different jobs. In this article, we'll explain the process of removing the front strut and upper strut mount. Please note that because this process covers a wide year range of vehicles, some tool sizes and component locations may slightly differ.

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1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut Removal

Removing the front strut from a 1979-2004 Mustang is needed for multiple different jobs. In this article, we'll explain the process of removing the front strut and upper strut mount. Please note, because this process covers a wide year range of vehicles, some tool sizes and component locations may slightly differ.


Required Tools

  • Socket Set
  • Socket Wrench
  • Torque Wrench
  • Jack and Jack Stands

Torque Specs

Strut Shaft Nut: 74 lb-ft (Refer to strut mfg for proper torque spec)

Upper Strut Mount Hardware: 30 lb-ft

Strut to Spindle Hardware: 148 lb-ft

ABS bracket to Strut Nut: 21 lb-ft

Fox Body Caliper Bolts: 45-65 lb-ft


Front Strut Removal Process

  1. To begin, lift the entire car with a lift or just the front and support the car with jack stands. Remove both front wheels. Then, support the underside of the control arm with a jack.

  2. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  3. On Fox Body applications, loosen and remove the (2) brake caliper retaining bolts and hang the caliper out of the way.

  4. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  5. 94-04 Mustangs do not have to remove the brake caliper. If your 94-04 Mustang is equipped with ABS, remove the rubber sleeve from the bracket attached to the frame rail.

  6. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  7. Dislodge the clip on the metal bracket secured to the strut. Loosen and remove the bracket retaining nut with a 24mm socket and remove the bracket from the bolts.

  8. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  9. If needed, rotate the spindle for additional access. Use a 21mm socket on the bolt head and a 24mm combination wrench on the nut. Now you can loosen and remove the spindle to strut hardware.

  10. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  11. To easily remove the bolts, jack up on the control arm to establish a bit of preload, then remove the bolts.

  12. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  13. Up top, loosen and remove the strut shaft retaining nut. This is typically a 24mm nut but can differ depending on the brand of the strut.

  14. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  15. Once you remove the large washer, you can separate the spindle from the strut, and the strut can be removed from the car.

  16. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  17. Remove the upper bushing and metal sleeve. If you’re replacing the strut, this is all that is needed. If you’re installing caster/camber plates, continue with the next few steps.

  18. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut



Remove Factory Strut Top Mount


  1. If applicable, carefully drill out the rivet with a 1/8-inch drill bit.

  2. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  3. Hold the stud plate with one hand and then loosen and remove the three retaining nuts.

  4. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  5. Remove the upper plate and stud plate from the car.

  6. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  7. If you have one, use another jack to support the control arm on the other side and repeat the steps. If you don’t have a second jack, finish the side you’re working on and ensure the strut-to-spindle hardware has been reinstalled before removing the jack.

  8. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut

  9. To reinstall the strut and any removed component, reverse the removal procedure.

    Scroll back to the top of the page for all of the torque specs. After that, you’re good to go!


  10. How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut - How To Remove 1979-2004 Mustang Front Strut


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About the Video

How To Remove Front Strut | 1979-2004 Fox Body/SN95/New Edge Mustang

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Published on 2022-08-22
Removing the front strut from a 1979-2004 Mustang is needed for multiple different jobs. In this video, Landan explains the process of removing the front strut and upper strut mount. Please note, because this process covers a wide year range of vehicles, some of the tool sizes and component locations may slightly differ.
Thumbnail image of the author of this article, Jude Horstman.

About the Author

Jude is our Social Media Specialist and has written for Late Model Restoration for 4 years. Jude has a deep passion for automotive culture, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Read more...