rear strut disassambling

[C1J1Miller at aol.com]

Konstantin Bogach writes:
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Hi listers.

I am replacing rear struts in 200tq '89. Old strut is stock, no internal
hex like on Bilsteins.  How to remove the nut?  Buy special tool again?
O-h no...waiting again!
I remember one posting where a lister described how he did it using
couple of locking pliers to hold the shaft.  But I am afraid it will
ruin the strut. It is not that bad and want to have it until I finish
with Bilsteins, just in case.  Any other advise?
Can I find a special tool in parts stores like Pepboys?
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Most mechanics use an impact wrench to remove the upper nut. I don't think the entire shaft of the strut will compress into the body (where the seals are located)... if you grab the upper portion of the shaft and scratch it up, it likely wont make a difference.  Clean up the scratches when complete, and if it looks like it will rust, put some paint etc. on them.

I think there was a hex wrench cutout on the top of the shaft on my stock rear inserts, '91 200q20v.
Chris