Mondial t front shocks??

Wondering if anyone has ever removed the center nut on the central shaft at the top on the front shock with the shock still in the car? If so, does the shaft turn freely or is it keyed by the flats on its sides to the plate that is bolted to the top of the shock tower? Can you re-torque the nut with the shock still installed, or do you have to take the shock out of the car to somehow restrain from twisting so that you can tighten the nut? Any idea how many foot pounds the nut is torqued to?

Thanks!