np np good luck. just for reassurance tho, there are 2x14mm bolts holding the strut at the top (engine bay), 2x17mm bolts for the upper control arms, 1x17mm for the strut-LCA joint, 1x10mm on the frame for brake line, 1x12mm on the strut also for the line. after that, there wont be anything that should be holding the strut onto the car, you should be able to take it out.

 

It's just a pain in the ass. With lots of swearing, pushing, pulling, etc. you'll eventually get it. The stock shock body is just so long that it barely comes out like that, but it does.

If you're replacing it with an aftermarket coil-over, most brands have a shorter shock body and will go in so easy it'll be no comparison.

 

It's a major PITA. You're fighting against the sway bar, which is preventing the hub from dropping low enough to allow you to easily extract the old shock. There are a couple of options - use a long pipe to get more leverage against the suspension and flex it downward (you'll probably bend the brake shield while doing this, but that's easily bent back when youre finished). Or, remove the swaybar end links so you can move the hub downward more easily. You may even be able to get a long screwdriver under the bottom of the shock, and use the added leverage to compress the shock/spring and get it up and off the suspension arm.

 

just disconnect the upper control arm and have both front wheels in the air (ie. dont jack up only 1 side at a time)

then you can fast forward through all the swearing and no PITA breads involved, easy peasy lemon squeezy

 

The SHOCK can be removed easily with each of the above alternatives. It does look like it is wedged off the mount onto the arm. Tap it off after you have removed the sway or the upper uca. Don't jihaddi pry the thing off .

 

^Agreed. it will come out with a little bit of persuasion. dont rape the sucker.

 

Finally got it off. Don't ask me how, I sprayed a whole lot of wd40 and started hitting it with a mallet, which did nothing. I was about to give up and pretty much just put my hand on top of the rotor to pick myself up and the shock dropped!
Pretty smooth sailing after that. Got the tein flex coilovers on now.
Thanks for all the help !