Help with factory hood strut install...

[SVeXy96]

Soooo...I just got 4 new hood struts for 2 of my SVX's. I have my hood tied to the roof of my carport and took one of the struts off, but soon realized I have no idea how to remove the bolt that holds it to the hood. On top of the bolt there is a ball which snaps into a hollowed out half ball on the top of the strut. After inspecting the new strut I noticed there is a lock ring in there. I sprayed the crap out of my old strut with WD-40 and using thumb tack I was able spin the lock ring around and push it in the sides so I know there is no rust holding it in there yet no matter what I try I can't figure out how to get the stupid thing out lol...If I push it in using the thumbtack there is no room to pull it out with the pin still in there and I even tried bolting it back on the car and pulling and twisting the crap out of it in every direction, but eventually all it did was start to bend the underside of my hood and I figured I would break something before it would push that ring outta the way and come out...jeepers.
Anyone got any suggestions?