i just finished replacing the front suspension on my gxe, it was a snap. now i get to the rear - the stupid drums... and every manual i read (fsm, haynes, chilton) says I have to take apart the rear drums piece by piece (return springs, shoes, backplate) in order to remove the strut cartridge and spring.
it seems to me that i could simply disconnect the parking brake and brake line, then the essential bolts of the rear suspension (strut to rod, etc.) and leave the drum brake whole, saving myself an assload of trouble.
is there any good reason why I shouldn't do this?
T

 

You dont have to take it apart. I left it together and set the hub/brake/strut assembly on top of a few peices of wood to avoid stressing the brakeline and replaced the spring/strut cartridge right there.

 

thanks pat, that's what i figured.
T

 

I may be too stupid to figure out how to disconnect it, but the only problem was the e-brake cable. I dont know if you can remove it without taking off the spindle nut and the brake assembly.

 

i had chaged mine by pushing the strut down and pulling it out past the 1/4 panel. if youre afraid to damage the 1/4's you could just unbolt all the links and let the strut/knuckle drop down. that should give you enough clearence to replace the struts