I'm in the process of replacing my rear shocks and have found that there is little to no room to take the top bolt loose. What options do I have or is there a trick to replacing them.

Like in the Title, I need help ASAP..


Thanks in advance!!

Mike

 

what year/model?

 

I suppose that would help a little.

1990
4Runner
4x4
4 Door

 

got a 4th gen, cannot help ya. any 2nd gen'ers got a tip?

 

I'm trying hard to remember, it's been a while. I'm pretty sure I came at it with a deep socket and a long extension. It was a pain in the a$$ for sure - lots of little turns and some patience. It seemed like the top of the stock shock was just spinning as I would crank on the nut. I think I pierced it with a long screwdriver so when it would come around it would wedge itself up against the frame making it possible to loosen. I hope this helps- my memory is a little foggy.

 

I did a search and it look like this is a big PITA,

Thanks for the replys, I appreciate it,

Out to the garage I go,

Wish I had some cold beer, Looks like its going to be a long night.

 

Hey I saw your thread and in the "need help asap" mood I ran out with my digi cam and snapped a pic of what your working with. I have a body lift (3 incher) so its easy for me to say how easy this looks to do. Looks like a 14mm deep socket and either access it through the wheel well or crawl under your rig behind the rear diff and get up in there. You should see it easily. Get er done. Hope I helped. Ben

 

I start mine tommorow .. let me know how it goes

 

The passenger side is a pain
Go in from under the truck. It's hard to reach, but you can do it. I was able to hold the shock with one hand to keep it from spinning, while turning the nut with the other, was a nice workout
Drivers side is a piece of cake though.

 

Oh, and Blue, that's disgusting how much room you have to do that Were you sitting in a chair drinking coffee when you did your shocks?
You bum

 

Well its DONE!

I removed the bottom bolt,
Then took a vicegrip and clamped it to the top nut, I was then able to rotate the top part of the shock with a channel lock,

I now unable to move my forarms, But its DONE.

Again, Thanks for the tips.