Removing Rear Shocks/Struts on a 2000+ Legacy Outback

[lmdew]

When you are at home it's easy to use a bottle jack to remove the pressure on the lower through bolt on the Rear Shocks/Struts on a 2000+ Legacy Outback.  However, when you are in one of of the UPAP self-serve yards that does not allow jacks in the door, how can you remove the pressure?

A couple of weeks ago I pulled a set off a 2007 for another USMB member.  I took the following along with my normal tool bag:

10" 4x4

2) 6 " long 2x4

Using those and a few tools from my bag (socket and prybar) I was able to unload the lower bolt enough to slide it out.  

Basically, just build a little tower under the lower strut to unload the pressure on the through bolt.  When the bolt turns with ease, you know you've got it. 

Pull the nut and drive the bolt out.

Then go inside and remove the two 14mm nuts.  You can fit a wrench or 1/4" dirve socket in by just pushing the side panel back in a bit.

[sirtokesalot]

if i need a jack in the yard i just rummage throgh other cars until i find a jack in the trunk somewhere.

[idosubaru]

is it bad to drive it out with pressure on it?  i hit the bolt with a hammer - drive a screwdriver or punch through it to knock it out - and then wiggle the driver/punch out by hand.  

[lmdew]

Both options will work, just an easy fix taking the boards in.

Some yards pull all of the jacks so you will not find them.

Driving it out is an option but not easy.