'96 XLT: left rear shock upper nuts blocked by thingie

[funcrew]

There is some kind of gizmo mounted next to the spare tire area, under the cargo floor. This thing, which has tubing running toward the gas tank, blocks access to the top nuts of the left rear shock.

Is there an easy way to get to these nuts? Also, what is that gizmo?

Thanks!

 

[Texplorer]

I know exactly what you are talking about. Its like a plate with things mounted on the top. Those tubes that are running to it are fuel lines. I couldnt unbolt mine because the nuts were rusted on. So I just cut the shock bolt off. If you do this, make sure you cover the fuel lines with something. I used a soaked cloth, I layed it over all the fuel lines.