Stuck Upper Strut Mount

Hey everyone, typically i just lurk on here but I had to make an account for this one because it seems nobody has encountered this issue, at least that i can find.

I have a 4WD 4.0 2nd Gen and I'm currently trying to install a leveling kit. Now I would have been done by now, but ive run into a huge pain.

I'm currently trying to drop the whole strut assembly, swap the spring to the new strut and toss it back in. One of the bolts snapped on my upper mount, but thats no issue, i just bought new ones. Issue is, the whole assembly is refusing to drop because the mount is frozen to the frame. Ive hammered and hammered as much as i can but theres no room in there to really slam down on it. Ive been spraying it with pb all day and the thing will not loosen up. I can't hit it with the torch because im getting close to some plastic and lines. (ive tried but the rubber and plastic smoke is telling me not to)

To be more clear the, where the mount seats up against the frame, it appears to be completely seized up. Everything underneath is disconnected, it should just plop on out....it should... Any ideas are appreciated. if any more pics are needed ill take em

 

cant remember how I specifically did it but I think I reattached the shocks lower mount on my 4runner, and then jacked down on the LCA to pull the fucker out. Gave out a nice bang when it unseized.

 

Sounds promising, hadn't thought of that. Ill giver it a shot

 

You saved my weekend. Worked like a charm.

 

I'm having the EXACT same problem.

I got all the nuts off finally after a week of headaches and oooops.

Now the damn thing won't drop......
I got the bittom of the shock chopped off, so the trick that worked for you will not for me.

I've banged it, poked, proded, chiseled at the underside and used so many fluids, I think I might have burn used my eyeballs from the fumes (jk).

She's been in the driveway over a week .....if I don't have to replace all the brakes, rotors and calipers AGAIN, I'll be lucky.......

Help!!!!!!!!

 

Load a picture of what the lower part of the shock you cut looks like

EDIT: put a pipe wrench or vise grips on the chrome shock rod as tight as you can and then hit it with a big hammer to drive the whole assembly down and away from the upper mount.

 

^this

Pictures will help us help you.

I recently installed an OME lift on my 2012 and had to do my fair share of cutting, torching, prying, cussing, etc. so I know how frustrating it can get.

 

Ask and thou shall receive.

Please be gentle with me......it's my first time
....first post,
.... first tacoma,
....first major parts replacement.

 

The shock extended when the lower control arm dropped and I guessed it was why the shock didn't drop out. So I chopped off the end
I guessed wrong!

 

Try vise grip or pipe wrench on chrome shaft and hammer the tool down

 

Can you take a pic looking at the top of the coilover so we can see the bolts? Looking at the amount of rust I'm guessing the coilover is just seized. How are you applying heat, propane or MAP? What are you hammering with? I would recommend a heavy ball peen.

 

I finally got the #^&% strut out.

I tried the vice on the rod, but no luck.

Long story short, I used a torch on the underside of the bracket, bent the top of the strut down, then put an oscillating saw to strut above the bends. A few seconds of vibration later, it dropped!

Maybe my experience will help someone else.
Hopefully the other strut will be easier!

Thank you muchly for the advice and support.