97lgt top hats

[hrdrifter]

i am replacing my stock struts with new gr-2's today. i am having problems getting the top hats off. i could really use some tips on getting the top hats off. anyone? :smt017

[Huffer]

Getting the top hats off the car, or off the strut?

Off the car - undo three nuts. Strut will drop down when the lower hub-to-strut bolts are undone.

Off the strut - undo the center nut, watch out for spring rebound (wear eye protection, a 2nd pair of hands helps)

[hrdrifter]

getting the top hat off the strut is what im stuck at. i think i know how to do it, its just difficult. i have the spring compressed. when you try to losen the nut it turns the whole piston of the strut. if you turn the center thing w/an allen socket it likewise turns the whole thing. i tried putting a socket on the nut, holding it w/a vice grip and turning the center thing. i wasn't able to do it that way.

[hrdrifter]

never mind i got it by using a ratchet on the top nut and holding the top hat w/a vise grip