Gang,
Finally got the truck back from the indy. It rides like new again. I am so surprised the strut/spring has deteriorated so fast in only 70k miles. I now have new front and back shocks and strut/spring, good for another 70k mile or so I guess.

By the way, how come no one suggested me to go buy an impact wrench and wrestle with the stuck nut??? I feel like a dope after I saw the mechanic spun the nut out with the impact wrench in no time. anyhow, with an impact wrench, counter holding the shaft isn't necessary (as Ron has described). for the $$ I paid the mechanic, I could have done the job and kept a new toy.

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98 ML320 (gone but not forgotten)