lightangel

The bilstein struts come with a collar and the #2069 tool will not work on it. Below is a photo linked from rmccomiskie's post
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/56914/bilstein_strut_tool.jpg">

I feel the sheet metal tool may not work so I decided to make one by myself. The process is very simple and straight forward, all the parts (1 pipe, 2 bushings ) are from HomeDepot. The next step is to mark and cut the bushing use a band saw. The photo below should be clear enough.



<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/perfectbloom/HomeMadeTool/photo#5111733695044512626"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/perfectbloom/RvCGtmeF63I/AAAAAAAAADg/Zem2Ten4pPI/s800/HomeMadeTool.jpg" /></a>
The pipe is a loose fit to the strut piston, but the ID is rough. I just used paper towel to cover the piston before installing, and removed it afterwards. You may be fine with one bushing, but I chose to use two to have a good griping hex at the top.

I hope this could be helpful.

rmccomiskie

The Bilstein tool is not useful. But it was free. I contacted Bilstein and they sent it gratis.

I never used it as designed. Rather, I welded the Bilstein tool to one end of a 15" pipe and trimmed it off. I welded a plate to the other end and welded a 1/2" socket to that. Very similar to your approach. It works great. Slide the tool down over the shaft and apply a 24" breaker bar.

I use it to do most of the turning off/on but the initial loosening and final tightening is done with a chain wrench. See my pics. Much better grip and leverage.

lightangel

actually, the tool I made will have problems taking the collar off if no loctite was applied on the pipe threads. I used a bit green loctite.

when can I have a welder, or at least a garage....//dreaming....