When I purchased my 85 300td it came with two new, still in there package, support struts. A week ago I decided to replace them thinking this would be a quick job. After removing the overhead panel to get to the bolts I made a trip to a store to get a large torx bit. I did not fit properly. Too sloppy of a fit. I called the local dealership to be told that a metric allen wrench should fit it. It did not. I called again, spoke to someone else who told me it takes a m8 triple sqaure bit (12 points). After a hour of phone calls I finally had one on the way . $25 after shipping and handling cost. Ouch!
When the tool arrived I went to work. Fisrt bolt no problem. Second bolt the tool just turned inside removing little pieces of metal. Now what. I called the dealership to get a new bolt because I was going to destroy this one getting it out. They wanted $16 for a bolt that was going to have to come from Germany. No thankyou.
My solution. I welded a nut to the bolt using a mig welder. Then backed it out with a wrench. While I was at it I welded a nut to the other (not stripped out ) bolt.
After fighting to get the new struts back in place. I lowered the hatch only to hear a hissing noise coming from the left strut. I then proceded to let out a string of expletives that sent my dogs running for cover.
If anyone needs this special tool let me know and Ill ship it to you. I'm going to have to replace one of these new struts, but now I can do it with a wrench.

85 300td





85 300td