Rear shock replacement

[Al Hanks]

Hi...I am new here so I hope I don't ask a question that has already been asked a hundred times. I did do a searcha nd could not find anything helpful to come up. I own a '97 Limited.

Well, my question is pretty simple: How do I get access to the top of the rear shock to unscrew the nut? I was hoping there was an access panel in the rear but I could not find one. Any help you can send my way will be greatly appreciated.

Al

 

[004Gunner]

No access panel. A combo joint attached to a ratchet with an extension will get you in there. Also you will probably need vise grips to keep the rod from spinning.

 

[Al Hanks]

Thanks for the reply. I just can't seem to get my hand in there to put the socket on the nut. Especially on the drivers side, there is no room at all. I guess I will have to take it to the mechanic.

 

[Al Hanks]

Just curious...has anyone else out there replaced (or attempted to replace) their rear shocks on their gen 3 runner? I would like to hear from you and give me any hints at how to do it.

Thanks

AL

 

[Ghostrider]

Yes i actually did them twice since I didn't like my first choice. There have been several forum articles about those &^^^%$%&% nuts on the top. I live in Texas so I don't have as much corrosion but the first time was after six years and I cussed a lot. I hit the nuts with PB Blaster overnight and put a deep socket on the nut and wedged the handle. I then turned the shock body to break loose the nut. I tried using a strap and it broke. I finally used a large Stillson wrench (this means you are committed - the shock gets really beat up). Others have used cutting tools to cut the stud and remove them. To try and stop the problem in the future I put some anti sieze on the exposed thread and also made a nipple from old tygon tubing to keep moisture off. If I were you I would try hitting the nut with PB Blaster and then try a socket on the nut before I tried anything that damages the shock.

 

[Al Hanks]

Thanks for the tips. I will give it a shot again this weekend. I did the passenger side last weekend and it was easy, but the drivers side is a whole other story. Where can I find the forum articles that have been written about those #$%&$# nuts?
Al