shock help

[sherpamike]

Quick question: I am putting in new springs and shocks at the moment. But I am having trouble just getting the front shocks out. I have been under the assumption that I take the bottoms out first, but when I get a wrench around the bottom bolt the whole shock turns. I realized that this is probably an easy question. And I have infact replaced shocks on other vehicles before, but I cannot get this one to stop turning. In short, how do you get the front shocks out? Thanks, Mike

[DJ Menasco]

Just get a pair of vice grips and use these to stablize the shock while you ratchet the bolt off. However, if you sinch down too much you run the risk of crushing/denting the shock. OME have a serrated ring at the end of each shock that provides extra grip for such usage. Hope this helps.


DJ

[loykd]

Try a strap wrench

[flippedrover]

I used a pipe wrench.

[sherpamike]

thanks for the quick response guys. I used a combo of the strap and wrench. I was amazed to find that the front-right shock came out with no trouble at all. Tomorrow: the back end. Any words of wisdom? Thanks again all, Mike

[loykd]

much easier Mike, since the shocks are outside of the springs. I think you started with the more difficult ones, to tell the truth. If you've got the front done, the rear will be no problem. Only thing I could suggest would be to spray rust eater or WD-40 on there tonite so the bolts will be easier to loosen tomorrow.

[sherpamike]

Thanks loykd, I sprayed everything with some Gunk a while ago. I did the front first because I will be working by myself tomorrow. I was thinking the back would be easier to do by myself than the front.