Okay, that makes sense! Thanks

What is the cube thing in the upper left hand side? Looks like tofu to me but that’s an unlikely pairing with steak and potatoes.

To get the strut out, you also have to unbolt the upper control arm at the ball joint. I had this car for 16 years and have done it this way several times.

Edit: also unbolt the sway bar if have not done so.

You’ll melt the bushing if you heat up the bolt on the lower control arm. I would grind off the nut with an angle grinder, probably the easiest way. Make sure to load up the suspension a bit to get the bolt out easier.

Edit: After getting the lower bolt off you can remove the entire strut from the car and figure out how to get off the shock clamp bolt.