K-frame alignment?

I measured through the rear socket into the front socket and it is exactly the same distance left and right, making it seem like the k-frame is square to the car. I disco'ed everything connecting it to the body and loosened the kframe bolts but it doesn't want move much, and none of the movement helps.

I am looking at my hammer and drift now instead of taking everything apart.

Is there any experience R&R-ing the strut rod with the LCA in place, or does the LCA have to be removed? I checked the FSM, it has the strut and LCA R&R-ed as one piece. I couldn't figure out any way to get the strut in/out with the LCA in place, but I didn't try very hard either.