Got a 97 SE and found out why front suspension was so bad. Curious as to what could cause this. Mount itself is fine other than this. The only thing i can think of is someone tightening the nut WAY too tight (like with an impact) and stripping the hole out right away. Shaft of the strut is worn also.

 

a couple of things can cause that. over tightening with impact, which spins the strut & strips the "flat side" of the mount hole. the other is not fully tightening the strut, allowing the strut to wobble & tear up the hole. result, either way is you need a new strut mount.
i overtightened mine...so i know.

 

Yup. Old, worn out springs can cause that too. I've replaced mine 3 times in the past year.

 

Got new mounts. So provided my I torque the nut to spec it should be fine yes? Do I wait to do the final tightening until after the spring compressor is off or do I do it before? Or does it matter? Thanks for your help all.

 

i have never torqued a strut, i just tighten until i feel the nut stop.
and that's while it' still on the spring compressor. if you use specs, use the conditions
that are instructed..ie load or no load on strut. haynes...29 to 40 ft lb for '95 & later...
except '99...43 to 65 ft lb.