Strut rod removal from LCA

Before I go beating on anything that I shouldn't, is there something I am missing on removing the strut rod from the LCA?

LCA is already removed from car. The nut is removed; see photo. But the strut rod will not budge. Is it threaded through the LCA? Or just stuck?

Thank you for your time.

View attachment 1715760941

View attachment 1715760942


Heat the strut rod area with a propane torch, put the nut on the end of the threads so you don't damage the threads, then pound on the nut to break the strut rod loose....