Strut replacement problems! Please help!

[xxVERITASxx]

Hey guys, so I'm trying to replace the struts on my '89 Sentra. Was able to pull out the strut assembly. Now I'm trying to remove the spring from the old strut to put on the new strut. I was able to get the first nut off, but am having serious difficulties trying to get the other nut off (I believe it's called the self locking center nut??). My roommate and I tried very hard to get this nut off. It seems that when trying to turn the nut, the shaft of the strut turns as well. So I need to somehow keep the strut shaft from turning while turning the nut. Unfortunately, the nut is on so F'ing tight even using vice grips or channel locks, I cannot keep the shaft from moving. Any help on getting this stupid nut loose?!? Thank you!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I always used and impact gun to get mine off.
Just to be clear, you unbolted the 2 or 3 bolts holding the upper mount to the car, removed the assembly, and are now trying to remove the strut from the upper mount, right?

[xxVERITASxx]

Yeah that's correct. Ultimately just want to remove the spring from the old strut and put it on the new strut. I heard an impact gun would work from someone else too... Guess I'll give it a shot...

[Promise Land]

does the top of the strut rod have an allen key opening or is it hex shaped? You should have something to hold the rod while taking the nut off.

[RED_DET]

Hopefully you are using a spring compressor as well when removing this nut as the spring is loaded. You can put a pair of vice grips on the shaft of the shock and wedge it while using an impact gun to remove the nut.

[xxVERITASxx]

Thanks for the replies guys! The vice grips and impact wrench worked perfectly. I have a new problem now... I have all the struts installed and 3 out of 4 work perfectly. The front left spring turns and kind of makes a noise when I turn the steering wheel too much. It's like I can turn, turn, turn, then hear and feel the spring move somehow... I have taken it off and put it back on, but it continues doing it (although less than before). Any reason why?

[RED_DET]

Should be a spring insulator around the last coil of the spring where it seats in shock. Also double check to make sure it the spring is set properly. If those are correct, then the top hat made need to be replaced.