front strut shock removal Options

[dmenche914]

Hi all: I got a pair of front struts equiped with adjustable shocks, the struts are not on the car. i would like to put the adjustable shocks in my car, and figure it would be easiest to swap the adjustable shock, rather than the whole strut assembly (save redoing wheel bearings, my rotos are half used, and I figure I can deal with the bearings later when the rotors need replacing)

Here the problem, we can't figure how to remove the adjustable shock from the spare struts (we haven't gotten to the ones on the car yet, but they will also be removed)

How is the shock removed from the strut assembly? There is a large hex nut on top of the shock, a bent over locking washer, a large notched washer under it, folled by a rubber washer then the top of the strut (with body attachment points)

We tried putting the strut in a vice, peened over the lock washer, and turning the large nut, but can't break it free.

How can the shocks be removed?


PS these are early style (ball joint bolted in) struts if that matters.


thanks

[dmenche914]

The top nut will not turn, seems to flex a bit like it is attached to rubber, but does not turn( we try any more and the vice holding the strut will probably tear off the work beanch!!!)
i do not see any cotter key on the assembly.

Surely someone must have replaced front shocks before, without replacing the entire strut right????

If we can't get the shocks swapped,t eh only other option would be to change out the entire strut assembly, but that would involve wheel bearings, and possibly loss of the inner bearing if we can't get it off the stub axle.

Anyway, any more advice on the removal of the shock from the strut?