Four or more hours is a lot of time to trust the strut to do all the heavy work that spring does. You can rent and return tools and costs you nothing. Can someone send you just the old spring? I am inclined to think as you do. The steel is better in that old one.
I personally wouldn't risk the ride. Too much turning and bad roads for me to trust that strut under that condition. Just an Opinion.
I personally wouldn't risk the ride. Too much turning and bad roads for me to trust that strut under that condition. Just an Opinion.