Need advice on coilover disassembly

[poov69]

I was a tightwad and declined the preassembly of the ome front coilovers I recently purchased. Turns out that I regret that decision. Anyway, I compressed the passenger's side the other day in attempt to do the install. I compressed it to the point where I became uncomfortable with the stress that the compressors seemed to be showing. I could see that a little play was beginning to show between the coil and strut but it was not "floppy loose" yet. At that point I attempted to loosen the top nut, but was unable to break it loose due to spinning of the strut shaft and inability to stabilize the coilover. I tried to hold the coil shaft with channel locks , etc but had no luck. This is my first experience with coils that lift. I have installed several assemblies that drop a vehicle and had no problems. Rust does not appear to be present. Any advice? Did I compress the coils enough to get all the stress off of the top hat nut? I didn't choose to continue compressing due to intimidation of dying from a coil spring to the head... Ha! Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

Here is a safer way to do it:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/80789-no-need-spring-compressor.html

Be sure and read all the posts for pictures.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/100697-anyone-tried-shock-disassembly-method.html

You might have to cut the nut off the shock. I had one that wouldn't come off, and I tried the channel lock/vice grip to hold the shaft - no luck. Be sure there is no stress on the assembly if you cut off the nut (or you know what happens).