Rear shock/strut removal

[1scoot]

Has anyone removed their rear shock/strut assembly on a 97 Taurus Sedan? I need to replace a broken spring and I can't find the access to the top three nuts on the strut tower. Do I need to pull out the rear seat back and luggage tray?
Thanks

[mastermech]

near the rear deck and you'll find the three nuts holding the top mount of the strut to the body and you should remove the trunk interior panels to locate the nuts.

[TomV]

I did this a while back and you need to remove the rear seat and top panel to access the strut nuts. I suggest a Haynes or a Ford shop manual to assist you.

[1scoot]

Originally Posted by TomV

I did this a while back and you need to remove the rear seat and top panel to access the strut nuts. I suggest a Haynes or a Ford shop manual to assist you.

Thanks for tip. I was afraid I was going to have to take the seat out.

Can anyone with a Haynes or Ford Shop Manual quote me the paragraph about taking the rear seat back out? Once I can get to the top 3 nuts of the strut I will be fine. I just don't want to break the seat, and it's not coming out just by pulling. Thanks.

[TomV]

1. Remove the rear seat. First, push back on the front center section of the rear seat cushion to release the clips, then lift the cushion up and out of the vehicle. Remove the two lower bolts attaching the rear seat back, raise the bottom of the cushion, remove the two upper attachment bolts, and lift the cushion out of the vehicle.

2. Pull up the rear of the door scuff plate where it overlaps the upper quarter trim panel, grasp the trim panel, and pull it away from the body.

3. Remove the parcel shelf panel by pulling it forward while lifting up.

4. Reverse the order to install the parcel shelf.