Today I decided I couldn't wait any longer to install my DF210s, so me and my dad set out to install them. Rears went on GREAT, looks great. Fronts are giving me HUGE problems. Got the strut out, got the spring compressed, but when I put pliers on the little nubby end thing, and try and get the bolt off with a wrench, all I do is strip the bolt. it's not totally stripped before we stopped, but how the hell am I supposed to get it off without completely stripping it? I'm taking it to a friends dads shop tomorrow to see what he can do about it, but if I can get advice here and get it off, money saved for me. Anyone have any ideas?

here's a pic for reference

 

I have air tools and an impact gun. You shouldn't be stripping it no matter what. use the proper sized box end metric wrench. Then use locking pliars on the threaded part's nub.

W/ no air tools, I usually try to loosen that nut while it's on the car.

 

I tried using an impact gun, but the entire thing just spun and didn't loosen up. Then when I did use a 17mm box end while using vice grips on the nub, and it wouldn't loosen to save my life. Looks like I'll be taking it to the shop, lol.

 

Did you try spraying some PB Blaster or something similar on it to help loosen it? Might help.

 

I second the PB Blaster and breaking the nut loose while the strut is still bolted in the car. You can always loosely reinstall the strut to break the nut loose. Good luck.

 

Well, thing was, I thought the spring was compressed enough, when it wasn't. Compressed em some more, nuts came right off. I had some other problems that caused like an hours worth of headaches, but found an easier way to do it, and now my car scrapes everywhere and I love it.

 

for future reference, always soak suspension bolts in PB Blaster before trying to loosen/remove them.