Need help fast

Ok, I am installing my front 5100s and all was going well until I hit a major road block.

I am at the point where I have compressed my spring, removed the top nut and now I am SOL. The washer under the nut won't budge! I tried everything I can think of including loosening the coil compressor to try and force it off. I am stuck. It won't come off even without the coil compressor on.

What do I do?

 

Try PB blaster?

 

Yeah...Some PB Blaster and a BFH. Just be careful.

 

I would definitely re-comepress the coil, and attempt to remove the washer without any force from the coil. Way too dangerous if it suddenly comes loose.

 

Dremel it off.

 

That is a terrible idea.

By the time I got back to the shop after posting this the coil sitting uncompressed had shot it off. The coil was in the same place with the strut 6" back and the washer assembly 18" in front of it. My GF was there and didn't even notice it happen. As I suspected there is barely any force on the spring at rest.

Of course now I have worked my way to the other side and have the same issue all over again!

 

For future refference if this happens to someone else I wound up removing the compressors and giving the shock a solid wack into the concrete floor threaded end first. This was enough to kick loose the washer and spring. Seems scary, but the shock will only recoil about 1 foot off the ground.

 

I would not have the balls to do that.