When I was replacing struts I had the same problem. Some one, and I can not remember who, suggested clamping a 2X4 to the lower control arm to get more leverage when depressing the arm. Worked great and gave me a place to sit.

Rich S


1998 SVT 1995 Contour 2.5 MTX 215K miles Son's car(dead and buried) 1997 Contour 2.0 ATX 1998 Contour 2.5 ATX 2004 Tauras Wagon 3.0 Duratec