Changing rear shocks on a 97. What were the Engineers thinking ???

[MudbogPete]

It is almost impossible to get the rear shocks off a 97.

Ususally you would expect to have a topside plate that comes off so you can get to the top bolts. Well, Toyota decided not to put access plates up there, so the only way to get the shock off is to climb under the truck and get a wrench up in the little pocket and start turning.

Of course the threads and bolt is all rusted, so there is no chance that it will break loose.

You can't use a cutting torch to get them off either, being gas shocks it is rather dangerous.

I haven't figured a way to get these things off yet short of cutting a hole in the top floor to get at the nuts on the top. :50cal:

Anyone have any ideas ?

By the way, the front was no picnic either, but I at least got them done.

 

[NO1ZX6R]

what are you replacing them with? OEM or aftermarket?

 

[Thai]

You can try this:

4x4wire.com Rear shock removal thread

See Dandeman's post...very good suggestion!

My opinion...take it to a trusting mechanic to do it...should not cost more than $200-300 bucks (at most).

Good Luck.

 

[MudbogPete]

what are you replacing them with? OEM or aftermarket?

OEMs were as cheap as aftermarket. I figured that Toyota Engineers designed the truck and probably knew best what would work the best.

A full set of OEMs cost around $110

I finally got them all installed, but what a major pain in the butt. I applied plenty of wheel bearing grease to the threads and nuts on the top of the shock so the next time I can perhaps break them loose much more easily. The originals were so rusted, I didn't think I would be able to get them off.

 

[Jmabry66]

Advise

Praise the lord this was still up!!!!! We used a monkey wrench and were able to remove the old rusty shocks. Great advise THANKS,