Bilstein install help please

[rick@brubakerbox.com (Rick Alexander)]

I'm refreshing the front of Rolling Roc ('87 16v). I'm installing Bilstein
sport inserts and a 22mm sway bar. I've done this many times but I've never
had a strut cartridge refuse to come out of the carrier. The retaining nut
is off. I've re-installed the spring in hopes that it will pull the insert
out but no dice. I don't want to hit it much more for fear of bending the
strut housing. I don't want to put heat on it for the obvious reasons. Do
any of you have another trick to get the strut out?

Rick Alexander
http://www.brubakerbox.com
http://clubs.hemmings.com/hams/
http://clubs.hemmings.com/vwsrus/