My truck is a 2000 4Runner LTD (v6 4x4)

I recently replaced the shocks and springs on my 4Runner (I put on Tokico Trekmaster shocks and '99 4Runner springs - the 1" taller ones with 1 extra coil).

The install went well aside from the following:

* None of the hardware provided with the shocks fit. I had to reuse all of the stock hardware, which was still in good shape so it wasn't a big problem. However, I found it odd that replacement hardware supplied did not fit. Any idea why that is?

* The top nuts of the shocks (the nut and the locknut that sits on top of it) are located in a very obscure location and are practically impossible to get to in a way that allows you to position pliers to hold the shock shaft in place and the wrench confidently enough to not be worried to strip the actual nut. This took me over an hour for both shocks, and although I got it done it was a huge pain in the ass. Any tips/tricks on how to make that part easier?

Now, on to the major problem: after driving it for 2+ weeks and loving the improved ride, I got a call from my fiance who took the truck that night and said that something is making a very bad noise. I drove over and upon inspection found that the bushings, washers and the bolt from the eye of the rear right shock are COMPLETELY GONE and the shock itself is caught up inside the wheel. I really don't know how else to describe it but it was a horrid sight. The shock was bending the way it was not intended to bend, the mounting eye on the bottom of the shock was somewhat bent, and there was an all-around gash inside the rim (she decided to drive on it for a period of time to see if the noise goes away). :cry:

Anyway, I got the truck towed home, just picked up the mounting hardware, and the replacement shock should be getting here before the weekend. I am 99.9999999% positive that I tightened the mounting bolt. I am meticulous when it comes to stuff like that, and I was doing the install with a buddy who is just as detail oriented if not more, who went over my work after I was done. Any ideas on how this could have happened, and what I need to do to make sure it does not happen again?

And also, since I am replacing the shock again, can someone please let me know if there is an easier approach to taking off the top mounting nuts for the rear shocks?

TIA

 

I wonder if the nut stripped off somehow?

Take the entire front strut assembly to a shop and have them put them on with a 3/8" impact gun (both sides!). That should be plenty tight enough without overtorquing them. Without being there to look at the damage or see any pics it is almost impossible to tell why they really failed (look at the threads on the shock to ensure they weren't stripped though).

 

Ok I guess I didn't clarify - this is the rear shock only. The fronts seem to be OK, but I am going to inspect them a lot more closely when I am working on the rear one.

 

Ok that helps. I use an el cheapo strap wrench to hold on to the top of the body on the shock while I use a ratchet w/ a deep socket on top to crank down the nut. Make sure they are pretty snug but not so tight you're going to snap the top stud. The bottom bolts should have been a piece of cake.

el cheapo strap wrench:

 

The bottom bolts were a piece of cake, until but one of them came off completely. and disappeared along with the rest of the hardware. The other one (left side) is fine and in place. What do you think could have caused it to come loose, and what can I do to ensure it doesn't come loose again?

 

I'm guessing that either the nut was tightened too tight or the shock was defective and the top part broke off from fatique. What did the top, threaded part, look like? If it just came loose then put some locktight on the threads this time. Also after installing the nut, grab the shock and jerk down with it to make sure it is installed tight. The nut you used on the one that came off may have been oversized and althought it tightened down it actually didn't and the first couple of bounces set it free.

 

Ditto.....It sounds like you are right on......I was thinking the same thing. Loctite should solve any loosening issues but if the stuff was overtorqued, flawed or improper hardware was used, that is another issue altogether.

 

Guys - again, to clarify - the piece that came apart was the bottom portion where two metal washers sandwich 2 rubber bushings together inside the metal eye of the shock, and a bolt attaches the whole assembly to the axle. Overtightening is the only plausible reason I am getting out of this, but can someone provide the correct torque specs for that bolt?

Also, as a separate issue, any ideas on whats the easiest way to get to the two nuts that hold the shock in place from the top?

 

47 ft-lb.

 

Thanks guys, I am waiting for the shock to get here and will reinstall it and re-inspect the rest. Thanks for the responses.

 

oh ok, sorry thought you meant the top. The bottom could have the same issue, either over tightened or the bolt had a fatique crack already in it and it broke when force was applied to it. Inspect the bolt, washers and nuts before installing next time. Good luck.