Hi All, after a disastrous attempt with a hot air gun trying to release a caliper frame bolt, (the attempt WAS successful, but read on.....) the nozzle I'd fitted to the hot air gun had a side vent and through this was directing heat onto the front cv joint boot which now has a melted hole in it... Doh! So, I'm girding my metaphorical loins to detach the shaft out of the hub, and after viewing lots of YouTube videos am wondering if by loosening off the 3 top strut securing nuts, it would a) give the strut a bit more movement in order to take the end of the shaft out of the hub, and b) would it cause any damage to the strut or other parts if I did this?
It's an Impreza Classic Wagon MY99 and looks like it's all original so am expecting a fight on my inexperienced hands. Cheers!

 

just split the lower ball joint and then the strut will move enough to allow the driveshafts removal..........