My new (slightly used) Tokico Blue strut cartridge is a little longer than the OEM part it's replacing (1984). Does that sound right? Well, it is. So the problem is that the large nut that holds the cartridge in won't seat well enough to get the threads started.

Looking at the seal inside that large nut, it seems that if I could get the top of the new cartridge into the groove in the seal, it would work. However, the fit is too tight to allow that to happen. Perhaps if I put the seal on the cartridge first, but I can't get the seal out of the nut. Is there a secret to this? Do I need to purchase new seals and just rip out (destroy) the old ones? Or can I get them out in one piece and reuse them?

Also, the factory service manual mentions using a "pilot" to put this nut on. I assume this is a special tool. However, the parts guy at my local Mazda dealership has not been helpful. Allright, he was downright rude . Is this "pilot" really needed, and if so where can I get one?

Gotta be someone out there that can solve this problem. If so, thanks in advance.