I'm replacing struts this weekend and was wondering if I could get a 1/2" impact on the bottom bolts WITHOUT removing the caliper,rotors,and shield.

 

If you put a wrench on the nut and the impact on the bolt head you might be able to get them out. If the bolt wants to spin though. I don't think the bolt are supposed to. I took mine apart today and only one bolt wanted to spin.

I had the whole hub assembly off though. Taking apart the hub assembly isn't a big deal, maybe a little greasy but you don't have to fight with anything. Except maybe the brake caliper pins, they can be stiff

 

it should work, just depends how rusty yours are and if they have ever been apart. ive had mine out many times and they are a piece of cake.

 

i just did struts and mine where stock, i needed 1/2 socket wrench, and an open end wrench and used a leverage bar on the socket, got mine off and i didnt have to take the sheild or rotor etc off and took the whole thing off as one peice.

i just rust busted it(penetrating oil) , lots of cursing, and muscle and i didnt have aprob. i couldnt get the impact in there. good luck

 

Did you have to remove the calipers? I would think at least those...

 

oh yea lol of course but those have to be removed bc of the brake line, u dont want that much weight on ur brake line even like mine if they are braided stainless. but u could if u wanted to its just gona be a whole lot difficult and ur not gona have to prop the whole system up, i have aluminum SSBC calipers but with the stock iron ones and that whole system have got to weigh over 45lbs. easily.

remove the caliper and get some wire to hang the caliper in the wheel well and then use the socket and open wrench and pry that bad boy off so then the entire whole front system comes off as one. and when u put the bolts back in put some antiseiz on the threads so u can get it off again easily.