QUICK HELP please. lowering spring install

[cb18201]

im in the middle of doing my lowering spring and shock and strut install and i have everything apart but i cant get that big nut off the top of the strut in the front, how the hell do i get this off, i put the strut back into its mount so it would be easier to twist but when i put the ratchet on it the whole thing turns, i need to get that bolt off to use some of the hardware off the strut. does anyone know how to get it off? thanks

 

[iluv95stangs]

you need a air operated impact. That should get it off

 

[cb18201]

it seems like when i turn that nut it spins with the strut but everything is in place how it would be when its together.

 

[94 3.8l stang]

yup, you should just get an air impact after it, that how i got that nut off, the ratcheting/jerking should break it loose, don't be afraid to use some WD40.

 

[HISSIN50]

you can load the strut up - helps keep it from spinning the strut rod.

air tools are great, as said. if you have one of those 'fan belt' wrenches - you can take it apart and put it around the strut rod (that spins) - some have used vice grips. i held mine with a peice of rubber.
good luck.

 

[cb18201]

hmm, so to load the strut up i just turn that nut until it gets tighter?

 

[slytherin]

Doesn't the top of the strut rod have a slot in it If I remember mine right I put a big straight blade screwdriver in that slot and broke that nut loose with an open end/box end wrench while holding the strut rod from spinning.

 

[cb18201]

ok well i did what u said and then i got that nut off with the screwdriver, now i got everthing on and back in place but i didnt tighten that nut down on the new one yet because i wanted to let the alignment guys do it when i bring it to get alligned when im done, will it mess anything up or hurt anything if i drive with this nut loose? i know my allignment is gonna be completly messed up but im only driving it right down the road, they have to tighten that nut to allign your car right?

 

[AznStanger3v]

are all you doing is lowering your car? i dont see why you are taking off the big nut that is on the strut. you only need to undo the 2 nuts and 1 bolt, sway bar, caliper, and abs sensor.

 

[cb18201]

i am doing new shocks an struts too and to get the hardware off the strut you need totake that nut off.

 

[AznStanger3v]

gotcha what i did was i took off the dust boot, put a towel around the metal shaft, used vice grips and stood on it while i zapped it with an electric impact. air is much better though

 

[cb18201]

im just wondering if i can drive it without that nut tightened, everything else is set except for that nut, ide rather leave it alone an let the allignment guys tighten it the right way.

 

[1Slick5.0]

Did you happen to get an adjustable caster camber plate? There a must have when lowering your car. Helps with premature tire wear