Yeah my first thread!
Anyways...
So I tried replacing my rear shock absorbers tonight. I got the lower bolts off just fine and then it took me nearly an hour just to figure what the best angle was to get to the upper nut. After I figured that out I used a long 9/16" socket with my ratchet and could not for the life of me get the thing loose. I even wedged the ratchet up against the frame and then tried to twist just the shock. I'm thinking I need some penetrating oil or solvent. I could use WD-40, but I'm sure there are even better products out there. Let me know what you like and use.
I could really us some on this.
Thanks!

Oh I'm sure you are all wondering what I'm using for replacements. I'm just going with some Monroe SensaTrac Shocks and Struts. I'm in the middle of getting my finances under control so once that is done I'll be ready to upgrade to some Bilsteins or something.

 

put some PB Blaster on them, then let it sit. that is the single most hard thing i have found to do on these cars. I ended up paying a friend to do mine because i didnt want to even jack with it.

 

The way I did it was put some big channellocks on the body of the shock and have someone to hold that and you wrench on the upper nut. I like to destroy things too...

 

I actually tried that, but without the extra helper. The locks just slipped right off! ugh! I do have some pretty dents on the shocks now.

 

Ok...now comes the fun part. Tear part of the shock body off...with vise grips and lock the vise grips on the piston rod thats inside of the dented boot. More destruction...

 

if your putting new ones on there i would just cut them off, i had to do it on my buddy's 02 4 runner, just took a angle grinder to the part where the little rubber bushing is on the bottom of the shock mount.

P.S. I also like destruction...

 

Gotta love the destruction!

 

If all else fails....get a bigger hammer! Throw some tools around so the neighbor thinks you are insane....works for me!

 

I ended up settling and letting a shop fight with the rear shocks. Best money I ever spent.

It took the shop 2.5 hours to get the shocks off.

 

I sawzalled mine off.

 

So if I don't want to cut anything (yet) PB Blaster is the way to go. Any others?

 

Just replaced my rear shocks last week and visegrip at the very top of the piston rod worked great. Got both shocks off in 10 minutes.

 

One thing, before trying, clean the threads off with a wire brush. This will strip away rust and any dirt that could foul up the threads.

 

At most plumbing supply places, they sell a strap wrench made by Ridgid



There are several different sizes avaliable and are a life saver in many situations. I simply put a wrench on the top nut then use the strap wrench to turn the body.

 

A word of caution (speaking from experience): don't cut the rod too low or you'll get a high pressure spray of shock fluid shooting all over. Cut out the lower rubber bushings with a utility knife, then angle grinder/sawsall the piston rod as high as possible. That way, you'll avoid taking a shock fluid shower lol!

 

Ditto....2 min per side max.

 

do a three inch body lift then it will be easy .... Otherwise if you are replacing them then cut away !

 

Just rented a sawzall...time to go have fun!

 

Piece of cake!

 

I'll be doing this over this weekend. I don't have a sawzall. Is there enough space to cut it with a hacksaw? If not, I guess I'll have to borrow a sawzall.