[Kevin in NJ]

I question if heating them beyond hot is good for the metal.

Using electrolytic rust removal and clever tapping (along with some big sockets) you can get most of the shock apart without much if any heat.

The valve will require lots of heat. That is important to take out in one piece undamaged.

I have not got to my shocks. At some point I expect to be able to go further with techniques, unless someone else beats me to it.