Thanks, Dan, it does help. My SC Bentley does not seem to have this discussion. Sounds like I may be able to avoid dealing with that goofy nut at the bottom of the strut. And I think you're saying what I'm figuring out. That the only thing that retains that rear cap is the adjusting bolt which goes through a hole in the aluminum crossmember and is therefore captive. That's a surprizing design. And disappointing too, since my adjusting bolt was pushed backwards so far that it broke out of the crossmember.
So now I'm thinking I need a crossmember, or a good welder.