front strut disassembly
 

Help! How do you separate the strut/shock from the spring? I've removed the whole assembly from the car and cannot find a way to unscrew the upper lock nut from the piston shaft. The center of the nut has a hex key opening. I have the right hex key and the right socket...but cannot get both into position to unlock the two. (I've seen the 'open ratchet' sets that allow for slipping a hex key through the center of the socket but none of the special sockets are large enough to go over the nut - about 22mm is required I believe and those sets only go up to 21mm). I've tried to grab the shaft carefully but securely but can't clamp down on it enough without damaging it. How is this done?

Well, I use an impact gun, so no need to hold the shaft. But, my suggestion would be to take a look at some oxygen sensor sockets. They are also 22mm and can be found in many different arrangements. One of them might be just the ticket! I'd try the deep socket one with the big slot cut down the side.