2006 2.7l RWD front shock/strut replacement

Total noob here but I honestly like to give repairs a go before I spend the money for extra help. I spent the weekend trying to replace my shock/strut on my passenger side. I managed to remove the old one (because the bottom peice of it had snapped off giving me clearance to remove) but I can't fit the new shock it. It's identical to the old one but the only way I can fit it in is if I remove the UCA because the spring hits the UCA whenever trying to position into place. The problem is, the nut holding the bolt that fits through the UCA bushings is protected in this metal housing/encasing? Making it difficult to grab hold of the nut to spin the bolt off. Any suggestions ? I've did many forum searches and watched as many YouTube videos but I've never seen an UCA that is attached like mine. I've attached pictures for context.

 

First off I'll say a disclaimer that I don't know anything about anything when it comes to 5 lug trucks. But I'd venture a guess that the nut and that protective shield are there to prevent you from removing the nut because it's probably welded on or captured somehow. Instead, you're going to want to remove the bolt from the other direction. Probably best done with lots of penetrating lube and an impact gun, but you may want to try breaking it free first with a big breaker bar or something to see if it moves. My guess is the bolt is seized in the UCA bushing and giving you major headaches which is why I suggest the ugga-dugga method.

Don't take my word for it though. Hopefully someone else chimes in who knows more about that stuff. Sorry I've only worked on the 4x4 version of this on the Tacoma, can't give first hand just best guess. Good luck!

 

Thank you for your reply and input. The nut actually spins when I'm turning the bolt but the bolt isn't making much progress out of the UCA. Wasn't sure if this protective shield served any purpose other than preventing you from taking the nut off and if anyone had any suggestions in how to stop the nut from spinning other than cutting that shield off.

 

6 lug so I also don't know ... but i'd cut that shield off, lock the nut and see if you can back out the bolt.