So yesterday I started on my 2009 F150 SCREW 4.6-3v 4x4 to replace both front struts and cv seals. First issue I ran into was the lower strut bolt but WOULD NOT MOVE. Took me hours with heat, deep creep, more heat.. finally broke out the sawzall. When the nut was about 2/3 cut through I decided to hit it with the impact and it started backing off. WHEW!

Next problem.. strut tower bolt #3.. again WONT BUDGE. Heat, Deep Creep, more heat.. impact. Nothing. Also can't reach this one to even try cutting it. Finally heated one last time and got it to turn and back off. HOLY CRAP. Now the driver side strut is out, removed the cv shaft easily enough. The original seal came out in two pieces though.. here's my current problem. I, for the live of me, cannot get the cv to go all the way in. I've tried plunging, and I don't have a dead blow to try. I did remove it again, and tried fitting the other new seal for the passenger side onto this shaft.. just to see. I mean, I know it's a seal, whose job is to be tight and keep fluids in but are they supposed to be like 'holy ****' tight?
After an hour of going to get some beer, and eating dinner I went back out and devised a plan. Supported by a bungee so teh cv was horizontal, I was able to beat it on with a 5# sledge and a block of wood. Very careful whacks while using the board as the damage sponge keeping the tip of the cv safe. Took quite a few hits to be sure and while I cannot get underneath to see.. it feels seated. It's definitely past the clip so that's good.

Luckily this worked out and aside from getting a bit pissed off about the lack of videos on youtube showing the driver-side I am posting this to hopefully help others. The passenger side should be cake, I hope.

 

Almost forgot.. since I'm doing struts it's a prime time to level. Bought the second cheapest 2 inch strut spacers on Amazon.. $34 bucks baby. Which, to be perfectly honest, when they arrived I was surprised at the quality.