Front Shock Bolts

[Lazzman]

I replaced my front shocks about two years ago and it seems I did not tighten them down to spec.

The problem is that the two nuts on top of the shock are frozen to the shaft on the shock and when I turn them with a socket the whole shock turns. I tried spraying on tons of PB Blaster but it did not loosen the rust.

I would hate to have to cut off shocks that have maybe 12,000mi on them and replace them. Is there anyway I can get these shocks off by undoing the nuts and not cutting them off, so I can re-tighten them down to spec.

I know this is a common problem when getting the shocks off, as I have read it on here before, though it must be possible because I know of dealerships and others who have taken off and put back on older shocks.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and would save this hard working family man some money.

Thanks

 

[techieman33]

Do you have a wrench holding the nut on the bottom side of the shock mount?

 

[carlover]

most shocks ive seen for the explorers have a place on the top to put a wrench so you can turn the top bolt. Not sure if yours do but id look.

 

[Lazzman]

No, I did not but I will check and see if there is a place for a wrench.

They are KYB Monomax shocks.

Thanks for the great info.

 

[Lazzman]

My shocks do not appear to have a place to put a wrench on to stop them from spinning.

Techie can you explain what you mean by wrench on bottom side of shock mount? My shocks have two nuts on the top of the mount, one is a lock nut, but nothing on the bottom side?

I have included a stock photo for reference.

There must be a way to get the shock held still while I undo the rusty nuts??

 

[Djsynystr]

you need to get a 18MM or 3/4 not sure which it was and hold the bottom nut below the bracket. then use a socket on the top nut while holding the bottom one with the wrench.

 

[Turdle]

Or
you might try threading on 2 more nuts, making another lock nut assembly above the rusted one.

 

[techieman33]

This picture should show you where the wrenches need to be placed. I actually took the top nut off from the top though with some extension so I could just hit it with the impact.

 

[Lazzman]

Uh oh looks like I might have screwed something up. I installed the shock just like the stock sales picture looks, with both bolts on the top bushing, I take it this is wrong, it was my first time.

One bolt is supposed to go under the lower bushing and one on top of the upper bushing is this correct?

What problems can it cause the way I did it?

Thanks

 

[Lazzman]

Any Help???

I think I installed them wrong and it could be a safety issue for the family.

 

[Djsynystr]

now do you remember up top in the begining of your post you said there was two nuts one on top and one on bottom of the bracket. well there you go. one goes on top with a washer then bushing then under the bracket it goes bushing, washer, then nut. the bolt should have been on the new shock with 1 nut, 2 bushings and 2 washers in a bag. always look how it is before you take it apart, even take a picture if you have a digi camera.

 

[Djsynystr]

sorry just re-read yoru post whoever put both nuts on top with none on the bottom was wrong. it should look like the picture in this post with the wrenches on the nuts.

 

[Lazzman]

Djsynystr, thanks for the help

I installed the shock the same way I recieved it from the manufacturer, with the two bolts on the top of the shock.

It appears I screwed up big time, it was my first shock replacement.

Anyone know if installing the way I did will cause any major problems?

 

[Turdle]

I think it is ok. The main problem it will create is a hard to remove shock.

 

[Lazzman]

I appreciate the response Jon

I received the shock from the factory the way it looks in this picture. I take it the two nuts don't go on the top when installing, where does the other nut go? One was regular and one was a lock nut.

If I replace the shocks what should the configuration be from the threaded bottom side of the shock i.e. Nut, washer, grommet...

Thanks so much for you help

 

[manaen]

can you grab the top of the shock bolt with a vise grip to hold it from spinning, usually there is an area without threads on the very end of the bolt. Sometimes they even have flat spots where you can get a wrench. Then just use a combo wrench on the nut while holding the bolt from spinning on the end.

 

[Lazzman]

Yes, I believe I can.

When re-installing how should I configure the nuts and grommets?

Thanks

 

[manaen]

should be (from the bottom up)

Nut - big cupped washer - Rubber bushing - through truck frame - Rubber bushing - Big cupped washer - last nut

 

[Lazzman]

Thanks Manaen, I will give it a go.

 

[spotdog14]

should be (from the bottom up)

Nut - big cupped washer - Rubber bushing - through truck frame - Rubber bushing - Big cupped washer - last nut

My Bilstein shocks did not come that way,they only came with one nut. So i installed it rubber bushing - through frame - rubber bushing - nut.