So here's the deal,
I am installing new struts on my 2007 XLT 4x. After a bunch of screwing around I finally got the strut off. I thought I was home free but now I am having trouble removing the center nut. I stripped out the top of it, now I can't get enough grip to take it off. I drilled a slot with a dremmel and attempted to use a flathead screwdriver, no luck. I will probably apply heat tomorrow. Any suggestions?

 

You compressed the spring?

 

I did. Should the spring be loose when compressed?

 

Is it possible the pressure from the spring is ihhibiting removal?

 

cut it off...

 

First thing you should of did was hit it with penetrating oil ,let sit 20 min, hit it with heat and it will come off usually. Now all thats left to do is take grinding wheel with a cutting blade and cut it off. Make sure you torque everything to spec or you chance further problems like wearing out your shock mounts.

 

Best just to buy the ready struts.

 

Waste of money, why pay for new installed springs when there is nothing wrong with the ones you have?

That's like buying the premixed antifreeze, paying more for half water

 

Set a set of new springs next to the old ones. You will see the difference. Springs wear out too Ya know

Ps. Ease of installation is also worth a certain price.

 

Even easier to pay someone to do it

He has the compressor so why not just do it?

Coil springs last a long time without loosing height. I spent years building, maintaning and driving race cars and rarely needed to replace springs due to loose of height or carrying capacity. Spring steel has a fairly long life under normal use.