getting the rear shocks off..
- Thread starter euy
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12guns
New member
Unless you posted in the wrong place, your rear shocks should be held on my bolts going through the rubber sleeve sideways. The shock will rest in teh bracket, then the bolt goes through w/ a nut on the back. Shouldn't have to hold anything on the shock. You might have to hold the nut or bolt head, but not the shock. Other than holding the nut to keep if from spinnint, they should unbolt, pull out, and install the new one.
If you have Xreas suspension stop and take it to a shop.
If you have Xreas suspension stop and take it to a shop.
HB 4X4
New member
It sounds like he is asking about the top nut, not the bottom shock mount.
You just need to get a good grip on the shock body while you are twisting it, or have someone hold it while you loosen the nut.
If you have shop/mechanic gloves or anything that will provide better grip, they will help a lot. There are also those wrenches that tighten using a rubber strap so you don't damage the shock body.
gaterose
Senior Member
I couldn't hold mine with my hand or a rubber strap wrench. The notches in the top of the stud are there for a reason, and appropriately sized to fit about an 8mm open wrench as well.
thanks for the responses. i should have been a little more descriptive. the top nut is on there pretty good. i can grab the top of the shock shaft with an 8mm wrench but since the space is so limited its hard to get enough torque or leverage to break the nut loose. i guess i just need to pull my skirt up and put a little more muscle into it..haha!!!
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cgardnerma
New member
Top of stud accepts a hex wrench as others have said, but it is a PITA to get your hands up in there to do it right. I had much better luck with a pair of vise grips on the shaft itself. I used a piece of thick rubber to keep from damaging the shaft (like a black rubber bungee cord maybe).
shuly
New member
Hit it with some PB Blaster and let it sit overnight. Or hit it with PB Blaster each day and then when the weekend rolls around work on it. Go out and pickup a set (or just the one) of boxed ratcheting wrenches. Makes quicker work when the bolt breaks free. Then grab the old shock ... if your tossing it you can a plumbers wrench. Otherwise use a rubber wrench or wrap the shock to protect it prior to using a plumbers wrench or other tool. <O
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gaterose
Senior Member
I just stuck the wrench on the shaft, then turned my bottom wrench (the one on the nut) until the small wrench hit something under the body. Then I let go of the small wrench.
If you keep a little pressure on it the wrench won't move and the body panel will keep the shaft from spinning. Then just keep spinning the nut until its loose enough that you can remove the top wrench and it take it off with your fingers.. Like I said in the first post it helps a lot if you have a ratcheting wrench.
Grabbing the shaft with vise grips can be dangerous; it can scratch the rod, which can tear the shock seals and lead to damage.
Edit: It also helps to use a cheater pipe (or another wrench) on the end of your wrench for more leverage. I usually use my hi-lift handle when there is room
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