I am replacing my struts with bilstein HD, but as I was removing the old strut I noticed that the gland nut was in a weird position and as I attempted to loosen it, it actually broke/separated and left most of the threads in the strut tube. I was able to pry out the leftovers from the threads in the strut tube, but I believe the gland nut some how slipped on one side which is what caused the problem, because the threads are fine on about 3/4's of the tube but the other 1/4 the threads appear to be warn off all the way from the opening down to the lowest thread. (in the photo, the threads in about the 7 o;clock position are warn, and the rest fine) I have never seen anything stripped/warn off this way, so I am very confused. Additionally, the strut insert that was in there was damaged badly on the top where it is held by the gland nut, and there is muddy/oily water in the strut tube.

Questions: Anybody know of a way to fix these threads? Is a new gland nut likely to slip out with only threads 3/4 of the way around? The Bilstein HDs come with a sold grand nut that actually has a seal around the strut insert. What is the best approach? Should I get a strut tube from a junkyard? or from Tasca or something?

Also, why would there be water in the strut tube? If I don't have to replace it, can anybody think of a good way to get the water out without disconnecting the brake lines and completely remove it from the car?

Thanks for any/all advice!