jem

I have a 1990 300TE with a saggy tailgate. I want to replace the dampers but I need tech help on how to unhook the old ones. They seem to be deeply embedded into the bodyshell. I can't see if they are to be removed *forwards* (into the passenger compartment) or *backwards* (past the tailgate hinge). And how does one get the locating pins out when there seems to be no space to access either end of the damper strut? Any help/tips gratefully received.

jeb951s

I did this about 1 yr ago. You have to take the panel (plastic) that covers the headliner for one. Not the easiest thing to get off as I remember (simple screws, but the rubber seals for the window overlap it some). You will also have to pull some of the headliner back. This will give you access to the connectors for the shocks you need access too. The rest is fairly traightforward; you will need some good needle-nose pliers.

T-Machine

After taking of the headliner cover, unhook the headliner at the
rear. If you push on the inside of the next headliner-rod, it will
bow downwards. That will give you enough clearance to remove
the shocks in forward direction. The forward bolts of the shocks
have a square at the end and are secured by a metal hook,these
need to be bent back. Have someone hold the Tailgate to relieve
tension to get these out. Open the hatch as far as possible and
secure with a propstick, this will make it easier to remove the
C-clips for the rear bolts. Reverse installation.

jem

Many thanks, Jeb251s and T-Machine. This is v. helpful -- I've got the headlining right back and I see the square-end bolt inboard with the bent-over securing tab. I didn't realise you have to bend that tab bit out of the way. This is exactly the advice I needed. Excellent.

The OEM replacement shocks I've got are actually made by Bilstein. Hey, does this mean I can go round telling people I've put Bilstein shocks on my 300TE?