To replace my ball-joints, I took the lower control arms (or whatever they're pressed into) to a machine shop. They said it took something like 90,000 lbs to get them out. Just in case you get discouraged, it may not be your technique... heh.


As for the strut retainer nut, I think most people call that the gland nut. People have been known to use a wide variety of tools to get them off, but what you really want is a hooked spanner wrench that's the right size for the nut. And you want to remove/loosen them BEFORE you remove the strut tube from the car. Otherwise, there's really no way to grip the lubricated strut tube (which is made of very hard metal, so no vice grips or pipe wrench will bite into it).

Something like these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNTOG4/ref=asc_df_B001DNTOG42680547?smid=A1G7UTDO1VZW46&tag=nextagusmp0404109-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B001DNTOG4

Not suggesting you should buy them, but that's what you're looking for.

Good Luck!