Im curretnly trying to install a new set of springs but cant get the top stut nut off. I tryed loosening it while the car was on th ground, then when the car was in the air, then when I had the whole shock/spring assembly out of the car. All three times I just spun. Im thinkin impact gun would get if off but I dont wanna risk cross tread, is there any trick to gettin it off. Any help would be great.

-Thanks, Andrew

 

Use some vise grips(I think thats what they're called) Anyway clamp them on to the shaft thats spinning. That should keep it from spinning. Do it way at the top of the shaft though, so it does't damage the shock.

 

There is a flat part to the very top of the strut, right under next to the nut. Hold that with the vise grips, while using an open end wrench on the nut.

Do not grip the strut rod at any point with vise grips except up there.

 

Is the spring compressed when you have it out of the car?

I find the air gun to be the best method of getting the nut off. I do a lot of suspensions on Acuras and I always use an air gun and haven't had problems. Just don't use it when you put the nut ack on and you should be fine.

 

Ok sounds good, ill try the vise grip method first, then air gun.

-Thanks for the help, Andrew

p.s. yeah i was using spring compressers

 

Go with the impact. You can only cross thread a nut if you are installing it, not removing it.