Grinding off center nut on front struts

Trying to install Bilstein 5100s using this method (using the weight of the truck to compress the spring):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr0v63Q7CQs

I'm having a hard time getting that center nut off, thinking of just cutting it off with a sawzall (I did this on the rear struts, worked well). Given that removing the center nut is already sketchy to begin with, how likely am I to kill myself/ mess something up assuming ive done everything else right?

 

This is NOT a safe way to install springs. There's about 20 ways to hurt/kill yourself. Where are you located? Your local TW group may have a pair of SPC spring compressors... otherwise, take the shocks and coils to an automotive shop and they'll install the coils on the shock body while you wait, for a minimal fee.

 

I would vice grip the top of the stem, or grind flat spots for an open-end or crescent wrench. I've used the weight of the truck to disassemble/assemble the coil tens of times without issue. If I planned to cut the nut/stem, I'd strap the assembly in first to make sure it couldn't tip out.

 

Your local auto parts store should have tool rental's,(spring compressor) be safe and do it the correct way

 

Those tools are way more sketchy and dangerous. Would strongly advise against them unless it’s totally inconvenient for you to work on the ground and you don’t have access to two jacks.

 

Politely disagree. I’ve done it both ways and relying on the spring compressor lips to hold while the entire apparatus bends is hardly what I would call safe. Doing it on the truck you have both ends of the spring totally contained and bolted to your truck. Additionally the springs are compressed from the very ends and so the overall force required to unload the spring is less because it’s distributed over the entire length. The absolute worst thing that could happen is your LCA hits the floor kinda hard if you don’t let it down nicely. A screw jack or quality floor jack all but eliminates this possibility.

 

Not true. Did this on a friend's truck and it was safe and drama-free. As parel said the spring is still constrained by the shock on both ends. There are also other suspension components (UCA, tie rod, sway bar) between you and the spring.

 

Those nuts are only torqued to 20-30lbs. Get a fresh pair of vice grips and the correct box wrench. With LCA fully loaded there should be barely any force on that nut. Personally I’d hit it with a wire brush, some compressed air, and lots of penetrant and try and wrench it off. The top of the rod helps guide the spring when you’re releasing the load so it’s a little safer to leave it on there.

 

I installed my Eibachs using this method. In practice it may seem dangerous. But it isn't. It's quite safe.

 

I guess we'll just have to disagree. Use your best judgment and be safe. Good luck, OP!

 

I once tried the spring removed while on the truck. Did not like.it what so ever. I take.the coilerover to a bench vise and use my spc Spring compressor.