If you have access to air tools, you can do the two tire trick:
Place the strut assembly between to 14" wheel assemblies with the air gun on the strut. Then make sure the twheels are snug against the back of the gun and the bottom of the strut. Then hold the strut with your foot and give 'er heck! Should spin the nut right off and the wheels will keep the strut from flying off and killing someone. Good luck!