New guy to 4Runners rear shock removal question

[Metalguy]

Guys, I just got some shocks for my 1995 4runner, and while the fronts went off without a hitch, the rears have very little access to the top nuts, and just want to spin when turned. Any tricks for better access? If not, I will probably torch off the top ends,and get them out that way. ------Metalguy

 

[Robmills72]

My threads where pretty f'ed up when I replaced my so I took a sawzall to it, and held what was left of it with a wrench and used a pair of vice grips to twist it the rest of the way off. Watch torching the top of the shock because you could screw up the mounts

 

[Metalguy]

I may just saw them off, but I doubt I'll be able to unscrew the shocks, as they are pretty rusted up, and access is pretty limited. I was just wondering if I was maybe missing something for easier access, or some trick I didn't know.-------Metalguy

 

[brifri01]

A good pair of vise grips on the shaft should keep the from spinning. Sometime the shock has a 'cover' or metal surround that might have to be removed to get to the shaft(piston). Also try grinding some flats on the shaft as it is hardened and vise grips may slip.

 

[ryan4r]

the rears for mine were actually easier than the front just because there was more access to it. mine has the threaded post type mount on the top and the skyjackers i put on have a small rectangular tip at the top of the post. i used a small (6mm i think) wrench to get leverage on it while i tightened the bolt down. the shocks that i was replacing actually had a very small nut at the base of the top post that i think i could only tell was there by sticking my head up where the spare tire is stored. if you dont have either of those then id say spray some pb blaster on there and use some vice grips.

 

[92-SR5]

Pipe wrench to the body of the shock. Not the best way to do it but it works. Not like they aren't getting replaced anyways. :becky:

 

[Metalguy]

Only problem with using a pipe wrench on the shock body is that the part that it needs to grip is spinning free from the upper part of the shaft. Evidently, the weld that was supposed to hold it is broken. I'll get them off by cutting.The new ones will be a breeze to install. Thanks all! -------Metalguy