[mrhaydndownes]

Trying to replace the front bilstein inserts on a '80 SC. These are the "new style" struts, which have the large wiper seal on the top of the strut.

I've taken of the top bolts [22 mm socket with breaker bar], and also punched out the roll pin [ penetrating oil, 7 mm roll pin punch, big hammer], and pulled the struts out from under the fender so that I can remove the inserts.

The problem is that the damm inserts won't come out.

I've tried:
- verified that the top of the strut moves up and down.
- lots of penetrating oil [spray type]
- water pump pliers to lever up the insert via the dust cap
- a floor jack and pair of wrenches to pry up the insert
- propane torch to heat up the lower strut assembly, and then trying to pull out the inserts.

Pleas let me know if you've had any success removing stuck inserts with struts still in car.

Otherwise based on reading a lot of posts, it looks like next steps are:
- drive out the wedge bolt [attaches strut to top of ball joint]
- get a tie rod tool and disconnect the tie rod from the control arm.

Thanks in advance,

Haydn