but I have replaced many struts in my day and yes they are in a compressed position out of the box with a little strap attached…but I have never had a new strut spring up when the strap is cut.
Every single gas strut/shock I’ve replaced they ALL sprung up when the strap was cut. It was really more of a slow release…but they did push out. I do agree that it’s NOT enough pressure to hold the car up since you can push it back without any tools.