Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Doing complete front end rebuild...need advice

I have a '98 contour SVT and I am replacing LCAs, had new front bearings installed, have new DSS axles, installing new inner and outer tie rods, struts, springs...

when I am installing the axle, lca, strut ass'y:

should I:

1) install front knuckle to LCA and strut to LCA and install as one ass'y? Then I should have three bolts left - 2 to LCA, and one to top of strut.

2) install knuckle to strut and install LCA, then mate the two?
3) install knuckle to LCA, then insert strut and mate the two?

getting them off wasn't as easy as I had expected - separating strut from knuckle got that axle in some weird angles that I don't think it is supposed to go into (per manual..no more than a few degrees allowed for the inner axle).

Anyways - looking for some sage words of advice from da "mastas" of da 'Tour on this one....comments or flames welcome! What's the easiest and best way to do this?

I Think It Would Be Easiest To Install Knuckle To Strut First, But Don't Tighten The Knuckle Pinch Bolt That Holds The Strut, All The Way. That Will Give You Enough Room To Lower The LCA With A Pry Bar And Bolt Up Your Ball Joint Without Having To Play "How Much Pressure Will The LCA Withstand When Im Jumping On It".