rear upper shock mount

[CSM4runner]

I have a 2001 4Runner with 175k miles on it. A few days ago I started getting a strange noise from the rear of the truck. Today I finally figured out what it is;

the rear upper shock mount on both sides of truck are loose. I'm not sure if that bolt is supposed to be welded or if it can be re-tighten. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MandAtaco]

I'm assuming your talking about the bolt that goes through the shock mount up top. If so, just tighten it up, it won't be welded on.

 

[turbo8]

You have a conversion bracket on the upper shock mount. The bolt is welded to the bracket, but on the other side of the frame there will be a nut that you can tighten. You wont be able to see the nut so you will have to feel around for it.

 

[Clark27]

If you have small children, or small hands in general, you're in luck because Toyota gave you roughly 3 inches of clearance to get to that bolt. Dealt with that a few weeks ago. :frusty:

 

[adamsfly]

You have a conversion bracket on the upper shock mount. The bolt is welded to the bracket, but on the other side of the frame there will be a nut that you can tighten. You wont be able to see the nut so you will have to feel around for it.

I hope I'm not hijacking this thread but do you know anything about that conversion bracket? I hate that upper stock shock mount.

 

[2KT4R]

HOLY F&%&**#)_#...... Sorry.... haha I HATE THIS SETUP!. Ive been suffering through this for a while. Since I installed my Toytec BOSS setup....

My right rear shock adapter I put in always comes loose.... and everyones right... theres no room to deal with it easy, so I have to slip the boly out of the eyelet of the shock, hold the top nut, and spinthe adapter bottom to get it back tight again..... ONLY TO COME LOOSE AGAIN!

People say changng your shock to a stud style not eyelet style is a fix... but i call bogus cause its still a nut up there.

Other fixes are finding a way to double nut it.... Permanent threadlock it.... etc....

The way I see it and am going to combat this crap is getting the bracket welded on the outside of the frame rail like other members have and then its not only welded and solid, but very easy to access aswell.

The only downside ive seen people chime in about with this is it changes the range of articulation if your big into wheeling.... but at the same time, the taco's have the outer frame mounted shock....

Bottom line.... I feel your pain, i hate this.

 

[Mudeprived]

Threadlocker or locknuts would help.

I installed Bilstein 4600's a few days ago. It wasn't that bad. It's much easier if you remove the spare so you can reach in over the axle while sitting.

 

[2KT4R]

Perfect example is what fellow member Ripcord did with his earlier build (and latest with a newer style but same idea)

Credit to Ripcord for providing his build thread containing this gold!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/846201-post227.html

 

[fblainen11]

Do y'all have flex head wrenches?

I used them for my shock replacement on my 05 LC that has tiny amounts of room and was able to get to it okay.

 

[CSM4runner]

Apologize for not responding sooner. The corvette forum emails you when someone replies to a thread. I just figured nobody responded.

I was able to lift the T4R up and remove the back wheels. Then a friend held a socket on the nut and the ratchet barley fit through a small opening in the wheel well. I put a pipe on the end of the ratchet and was able to torque down on it pretty good. I was tempted to cut the small lip that was preventing me from getting better access.

I also did the front brake pads. I can't believe I actually used to pay someone to do that. Took 30 minutes for both sides....embarrassing!

next project is figuring out the Idle Air Control. Great thread on here from Bill Dunnigan.