Found the best way to remove front shocks

[tojan19]

I'm sure anyone who has changed front shocks knows how much of a PITA it is to remove that top nut. This is the second time I've replaced my front shocks. First time around 70k and now at 140k. Last time I fought with those top bolts for quite a while. This time I was changing out the hubs and CV joints so it was a good time to swap and it needed done anyway. There was no loosening the bolts. Rusted fast. I got fustrated and decided the best option was to simple cut them off. I had the UCA disconnected from the spindle so I had even better access.

So get a good metal cutting blade for a reciprocating saw like a Lenox rescue blade, 6". I cut right above the top of the shock at the base of the stud. Took about 45-60 seconds each side. Easy as pie.

Sorry no pics.

 

[techieman33]

Those bolts are easy to get to from above with about a foot of extension, just hit it with the impact and they come right off.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Those bolts are easy to get to from above with about a foot of extension, just hit it with the impact and they come right off.

You forget my shock install? +1 for the saws-all

 

[Joe Dirt]

I used a couple of extensions and it was no biggie.

Now if you could come up with a killer solution to get some of those pesky rear top bolts off (other than blow a hole in your truck with a shotgun) you'd be the man!

 

[aldive]

I'm sure anyone who has changed front shocks knows how much of a PITA it is to remove that top nut. This is the second time I've replaced my front shocks. First time around 70k and now at 140k. Last time I fought with those top bolts for quite a while. This time I was changing out the hubs and CV joints so it was a good time to swap and it needed done anyway. There was no loosening the bolts. Rusted fast. I got fustrated and decided the best option was to simple cut them off. I had the UCA disconnected from the spindle so I had even better access.

So get a good metal cutting blade for a reciprocating saw like a Lenox rescue blade, 6". I cut right above the top of the shock at the base of the stud. Took about 45-60 seconds each side. Easy as pie.

Sorry no pics.

Been doing it like that for years; works great.

 

[tojan19]

I used a couple of extensions and it was no biggie.

Now if you could come up with a killer solution to get some of those pesky rear top bolts off (other than blow a hole in your truck with a shotgun) you'd be the man!

I'm going to to the rears soon too. I'll get back to you on the size of shot required to blast an appropriate sized hole.
There's always thermite