rear shock replacement snag...

[circe801]

driver side shock removal problem. the vapor recovery box (if that is what it is...) is so rusted i don't know what to do, and it is just in the way. so rusted i can't even get the bolts out. is there a chance i can just rip this out? what does it do and what can i do??? i've gone through the archives and can't seem to find much on this... thanks in advance for any help. very frustrated...

'99 sport stock

 

[SoNic67]

I didn't need to remove anything - except the spare tire.
V8 AWD 4 door - don't know if matters.

 

[jodogg]

Carbon Canitser bracket

It's part of the EVAP system. I just did my shocks last week and I pulled mine to get to the shock mounting bolts. I’m wondering if you can still get in above it with a long handle wrench or ratchet. If not I'm guessing getting serious about those carbon canister mounting bolts.

 

[drdoom]

Don't rip that out you will get CODE 1451.

 

[toomanyfords]

I have replaced rear shocks with only removing the spare tire as well. If you have stubby wrenches you can go over the rear beam on the axle side with a stubby 13mm and grab hold of that nut. you can't see it you just have to be able to feel for it. good luck

 

[corkey]

i ground off the bolt heads on the bottom side of the mount with an angle grinder so i didn't have to disturb that box , or the rust,,

 

[circe801]

thanks all!! basically btdt, but corkey, i may just try it. i was thinking of hitting the canister bolts with my impact, but your idea sounds harder but better.. there is just sooooo much rust, it's scary.
so for now, i am three new shocks...

thanks again, guys!

 

[Dono]

When I did mine, I broke a bolt off that mounts the canister. I just used a nut and bolt to re-secure the canister after.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Ratchet wrenches are a Godsend for those shock bolts...