marino1

howdy all!

long time lurker here... i've got an 01 sr5 2wd that i'm trying to change the rear shocks on, and having the darndest time getting to the top nut of the shock. anyone have any tips/tricks/writeups on how to change these bad boys out?

thanks in advance!

User 051420

Welcome to the forum.

Those top nuts are notoriously difficult to remove. I just stick a wrench up there, and jam it against the frame so the wrench can't turn on its own, then loosen it by turning the shock body. This is there a strap wrench comes in handy. Also, if you don't care about the old shock you can bend the upper part of it to get some biig channel-locks around it.

Good luck.

ebelen1

Or just saw off the shock (top thread) since you're replacing it. It was PITA to remove and me and my buddy had quite a few bruised knuckles from the process.

ohio4runner4x4

DITTO!

marino1

first off, thanks for all the replies!

...but how did you guys get the new ones on? it seems that the fuel tank/lines are right in the way to hold the bolt and tighten the nut at the same time...

i got the basic gabriel $32 shocks from autozone btw..

thanks again!

BajaRunner

Its so weird, I had no problems gettting those off the first time. As, so many people do. Try using some PB blaster and letting it soak up for a while.

Its easier just to turn the shock body and have the handle of the ratchet just sit up against something else.

MTL_4runner

Depends where you live.....if you're anywhere near the rust belt, then sawzall is definately the easiest way.
The new ones go on alot easier than the old ones come off to be sure.