That's a good idea. Did you happen to take apart the strut to see if there are flats filed on the socket head screw where it enters the lower end of strut? Mine have two set screws, one on each side holding the screw tight. You definitely solved the U shaped bracket connection, but the screw must be really secured where it enters the strut as well. On mine it looks like there might be some gray looking JB weld under the washer and socket head screw, holding the U shaped bracket tight. I guess I will just have to take everything apart and inspect how the factory assembled it to make sure it will hold permanently, and allow me to lube the internal spring and moving parts with a good teflon or graphite grease to help them work smooth, and prevent eventual rusting. Pete