Oh Boy ! Replacement of these is a little more complicated than I remembered. I am trying to figure the best routine for changing these and it seems a bit more difficult than the toyotas I did in the past.

Anyone have a list of steps to take to accomplish this? In order to remove the old struts it seems the way is to split the bottom mount in half and split it apart to remove the lower cylinder where it sits down inside this lower mounting section,,,,, right? I tried lowering the lower swing arm(wishbone) by unhooking the ball joint but it doesnt lower it far enough to pull the lower part of the shock cylinder from its mount. there isn't room to get a compressor in place or I would try that. I am sure the 4x4s are different. Any suggestions would be appreciated. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

Patman in OKC
2000 Sportage 2WD 4DR Manual Tranny still very strong at 90K

kiatechinfo.com.

but yes, you have to split the "fork". sounds just like a 4wd model. have to pull out the bottom shock bolt also. i destroyed both of mine and had to order new.