03 trailblazer front strut replacement

Anyone replace front struts on an '03 TB? The Haynes manual says to use a puller to take off the lower mount. I got the nut off but dont know whether to bang out the bolt to get the arm off. I tried giving it a couple whacks but it didn't budge. Any help greatly appreciated as always.

You need a pitman puller or pickle fork

Your local autozone loans these tools for free.


Here is a link with some pics:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=977738

hey poke thanks for your response. I was able to get the lower strut arm off by tapping it with a hammer. it popped right off . the bolt it goes on does not need to come off. the only problem was the sway bar was in the way. had to use a crowbar to move it out of the way. finally got both strut assemblys off . the nut on the top of the strut was the biggest pain to get off . still have to get the nut off the 2nd strut . got it sprayed with liquid wrench and sitting over night. i managed to free it before I quit for the night.

removed

took the nut off the 2nd strut and the rubber and the washers were frozen. took the whole strut assembly to monroe and those guys couldnt free it up either . had to order the quick strut instead. after getting both struts installed finally I went out to my back yard where I put the frozen strut and naturally it had released on its own. of course it couldnt have done that before I ordered the quick strut! Anyone need a spring for an '03 trailblazer???? then when I started the truck up for the 1st time in 2 weeks the dash gages wouldnt work. the temp was the only one that moved and it went to the right past 260 degrees and buried itself. I tested every fuse and the only one that blew was a 20amp for the sunroof which I dont have!! I tried unhooking the battery. no good. hooked everything back up and went out 30min later and everything works now . go figure!