In need of a pro tip

So I'm replacing the struts on my Tundra and I have everything off EXCEPT one bolt on the top. The stud on the strut assembly is spinning with the nut. I can't get in anything to cut it off as it's the inside nut/stud. 
 

any pro tips on how to remove it?

Impact gun. If you are already using one, a bigger/faster/more one.

Can't get one on it. Only like 2" of space above the nut.

Is it the shaft nut? Vice grips. One of the strut mount studs with no underside access? Grind the nut off along with the stud. Or a nut splitter. 

I had to use vice grips on a shock recently.  Felt bad but they are going in the garbage anyway.

Next step would be the grinder as said above.

You do have the spring compressed, right?  You are not going to get the nut off and eat the spring...

If you look at the end of the shaft, there should be a hex.  If you can get a box end wrench on the nut, you can turn the shift to undo.  If you can't get a wrench on the nut, you might need a special socket that allows you to put a deep socket in the middle to turn the shaft.

can't really get to it with a grinder..at least my grinder. I'll try vice grips tomorrow. Any other thoughts?

In reply to Streetwiseguy :

It's the stud not the shaft.

If it's spinning, it sounds like the splines of the stud are already stripped out and you will be replacing that piece anyway? If so, tighten it until it snaps off. You should be able to do that with a breaker bar. 

I can't tighten it....it spins. I was thinking the same thing. I am replacing with Fox 2.5s so no need to save them if that helps with any ideas. 
 

the new goodies

blue tip wrench. Unless you are too close to the gas tank...

Normally sawzaw them off if they spin

Time for a nut buster but the last time I used one I broke it on the nut.

In reply to Paul_VR6 (Forum Supporter) :

Oh man, that might just work! Never heard of that tool.

Nut buster, sawzall, or torch.

I have also used a grinder to make a flat spot in the shaft and then put vise grips on the shaft while I took the nut off.

I also discovered that some shock shafts are threaded into the piston, so when I spent an afternoon trying to get the nut off, what I was actually doing was disconnecting the shaft from the piston inside.  Ask me about frothy, smelly shock oil being sprayed all over a paint-prepped engine bay, wheel wells, and your hair/clothes/body/garage floor.

Air hammer to BRRRT it apart.

Or Sawzall.

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Luckily it's a stud and not the shaft, can't reach it with a torch or sawzall. 

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

Can't get to it with either of those options. 

Ordering a nut buster today, but going to try to tighten it back up by holding it with some vicegrips and see if I can snap it off before they arrive. 

likely the weld on the stud broke, no way to get to the underside to tack weld it back on?

In reply to Paul_VR6 (Forum Supporter) :

The spring and perch block access to the underside. 

Do you have a spring compressor?  Remove the center nut and let the shock & spring drop away.  Spray some kroil 1st.

Also - Sometimes I've lucked out out by prying down on the spring perch (or driving a cold chisel between the sping perch and body).  This puts more tension on the stud & may help stop it from spinning.

Oscillating saw ? My wife bought one for crafts, and I have used it for everything from pvc to trimming 2x4s in the laundry room remodel.  I think you can get metal cutting blades for them. 

80sFast said:

In reply to Paul_VR6 (Forum Supporter) :

The spring and perch block access to the underside. 

You would be surprised where a stick electrode can reach, just may be messy!

Air chisel might break it off.