[euy]

as the title reads....rear shock removal. i know i know should be super easy but i just couldn't grab the top of the shock with anything in my tool box. its a tight fit. was wondering if there are any tricks or anything that will help. thanks guys!!!

btw....i am pretty handy, put the lift kit in myself (minus rear shocks of course) and did a complete brake job so i can get it done...haha!!

[Bumbo]

I thought it was pretty easy...

I used a ratcheting wrench, and a GL10 channellock to hold the shock so it wouldn't turn.

[kingofthehill]

Originally Posted by Bumbo

I thought it was pretty easy...

I used a ratcheting wrench, and a GL10 channellock to hold the shock so it wouldn't turn.

That is exactly what I used last night when I changed my shocks.

[ZebRuaj]

Hold the nut on top of the mount first, then thread the strut in till it bites together. Easier than having the strut in, then trying to fish the nut in on top.

[euy]

so really the trick is TRY HARDER...haha. i think i was worried about stripping the top of the shock rod. i'll go in and hit it with some penatrating oil and then try again. thanks guys.

[Rodtheviking]

Vice grip, if you are not saving them for some reason.

[ZebRuaj]

Removal. My bad.

Just take the death wheel to it if you aren't saving it.

or adjustable oil wrench (rubber strap ones) if you find one small enough to strap onto the shock to hold it still.

[Codywilsonfishing]

If you are trying to remove the stock shocks and they will be garbage after, then use a visegrip on the upper portion of the shock tube. (If you had xreas then you should position it to where the grip holds the port). Also, use two wrenches inner locked so you can stand and brace your self to get more leverage. Mine were so rusted that the threads broke after 2-3 turns.

[ecally]

Just cut the bolt off (assuming you are putting new shocks on). Took me less than a minute with a sawzall.

[jfry008]

Originally Posted by ecally

Just cut the bolt off (assuming you are putting new shocks on). Took me less than a minute with a sawzall.

I had to do this to one of mine. The nut was seized up and the top of the rod twisted around.

[yotaguy674]

Yup, sawzall for me as well!

[4daddy]

Having same problem with top nut rusted on shock. Stuck cant remove. Bent shock back and forth but will not break. Where exactly do you cut with the sawzall? I cant imagine there is enough space to cut on top of the shock mount to get a blade in there so I am at a loss... Help

[Bumbo]

Knipex Cobra and a ratcheting wrench make quick work of the removal for me.

The Knipex to hold the shaft so it doesn't rotate and the wrench to take the nut off.

I just hit it with some penetrating oil before hand and it came off no problem.

[blackoutt]

Originally Posted by 4daddy

Having same problem with top nut rusted on shock. Stuck cant remove. Bent shock back and forth but will not break. Where exactly do you cut with the sawzall? I cant imagine there is enough space to cut on top of the shock mount to get a blade in there so I am at a loss... Help

I cut right through the rubber bushing and shock shaft above the top of the frame rail on 4runner. On my Tundra they were also seized on but there was enough room to make a slit in one side of the nut then rotate the shock 180 degrees and make another slit, this cut the shock nut in half so it could just be tapped off with a flathead. Both methods ruin the shock and mounting hardware, install new with your new shock.

[4daddy]

Can you see the bushing while cutting through it? Its a 2001 T4R. maybe Im looking at it from the wrong angle....