Richard,

The first inch comes harder, but after that, you really can hold them compressed with your arms. I've put the top in the mount, compressed the strut, and moved the base into position. I'm guessing 35-40 lbs, because it required much of my strength to hold it in an awkward hunched position. Not a scientific measurement of force by any stretch...

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.