Stuck strut nut help

Got stuck on trying to get this darn nut off the top of the strut.
I’ve search and used many methods such as holding the top with vice grips to keep it from freely spinning. I’ve tried to hammer the wrench with vice grips. I have not tried to torch(don’t have one).
I read somewhere that people cut this off but I was going to see if I can try and use the flange nut on my new set up.
Any ideas yal?

 

First of all, are you trying to do the in-vehicle strut compression method?

 

If you are trying to remove the coilover, dont touch that nut. You only need to remove the three around it. If the coilover is off and your trying to dissasemble it, well good luck, I don't have any experience with that.

 

A simple propane torch from the local DIY store will generate quite a bit of heat. Or, you could use MAPP gas, it burns a bit hotter.

 

I’m doing the in vehicle method. It got too dark for me to take a pictures but the picture I used was from a video.
If I used compressors then is it okay for me to use a impact drill on the nut? Or is that sketchy hah? I don’t plan on using the impact wrench to actually tighten the compressors.

 

I’m trying to use the vehicle as a compressor but got stuck at the part where you remove the nut that holds the strut in place.

 

If you look at the service info that top nut is not torqued much (like 20 ft-lb). Once the spring is properly compressed it should be easy, unless rusted up.. Which makes me think you don’t actually have the spring properly compressed.

So yes it sounds like what you are doing might be sketchy as hell. Stop and reassess the entire setup is the best move.

 

Double check that you've done everything correct, that bolt should come off pretty easily once the strut is compressed. Especially with no signs of corrosion from your photo.

 

Those Autozone spring compressors with the two flimsy threaded rods are sketchy no matter what. If you had a substantial spring compressor, then it's okay to use an impact wrench on the center nut.

When I did the in-vehicle compression method on a friend's year-old truck, I used a Knipex pliers wrench (with its 10:1 squeezing power) to hold the center shaft in place.

 

Vice grips

 

Did you get the nut off?

 

Nope ended up putting things back lol
Might try again

 

Damn. Sorry to hear it defeated ya. Did you have the LCA compressed to take the tension off of that shock stem nut while you were trying to loosen it?

The reason why I am asking, is that I will soon be installing my TRD shocks, doing the in-vehicle strut compression method. This is the first time that I heard of someone not being able to get that nut off easily.

 

Did the “in vehicle” method last summer. 2016 nut was heavily corroded from northern winters. Spent an entire day trying EVERYTHING to get it loosened. Relented and got the sawzall out and cut the nut off in 5 minutes. I should have done it from the start

 

I had that sucker pretty high but might try again to go higher.
And also loosen the LCA even more. Pretty sure it was real loose.

 

I am real scared of using the sawzaw, vibration, while it’s all compressed on the floor jack. Boost my confidence though; it’s okay right? I’ll be okay lol maybe.
I really wanted to reuse the flange nut. Since my new top hats didn’t come with one.

 

I had both wheels off and jacked but does anyone know if I can just keep one front wheel on when using the in vehicle method?

 

Not advocating you try this but just relaying my experience. I’ve exhibited risky behavior before, but this was low on the list for me.

When I made the cut to the flange nut, the spring compression was out. I had left the lower strut bolt/nut and LCA can bolts/nuts in but loosened, then slowly released the Jack under the LCA to release spring compression. Essentially leaving the strut hanging but that corroded nut alone. Once the LCA moved freely, I pulled the lower strut bolt/nut out to make room for myself.

Wasn’t worried about hardware though so thats different.