new Gas shocks

[LarryK 87]

new shocks came in, but now i can not seem to get the old ones off, Working on the fronts, the shaft simply turns when the attachment nut ( at top ) is turned. Have grabbed it with a pair of vise grips Just above threads), but still no go ( just twists the vise grips loose ). Have soaked it with WD 40, and let it sit most of the day and still no luck. anyone have any other ideas?
These appear to be the original shocks and the bushings are toasted.

 

[vigman]

Make sure

That sometimes they will put a locknut on top of the nut... ( but it's usually a cheap tin job )

The second thing you can do is get a Nut Cracker... a little vice arrangement that splits the nut off...if it really on the shaft!




Vig!

 

[Eagle85C4]

Most auto parts stores carry stuff called "Blaster"...I have not seen the rusted stuff it it will not loosen...

 

[rrubel]

On both my Delco-Bilsteins and the temporary replacement Monroes I had (can't check the TPIS as the car isn't handy), the very top of the threaded shaft has a wrenching point. IIRC it's 6mm or 1/4 or something of that size. I just slapped an open-end wrench on that and held it with one hand while using another wrench on the nut itself until it came loose.

Word of warning - be *very* certain the nut is lined up when you're installing. I had grease and gunk in the way on mine and it wasn't easy to install even correctly - but on one side I managed to cross-thread it without realizing it and stripped the threads down about 1/4 inch. Couldn't re-thread it properly and had to get a replacement. Semi-expensive mistake .

[RICHR]

 

[LarryK 87]

well one corner done, three to go, Damn 15 minute job, and 2 days invested.

Tried the Nut Cracker ( thanks Vig ) and i guiess i just got a real POS tool, cause the cutting bit just flattened it'self on the nut, so thats going back today.

Tried the Blaster ( Thanks eagle ) that stuff is nothing short of miraculous, After about 15 minutes or trying to remove the nut, and about 2 baccardi silvers, the nut broke free, and i was able to remove that one.

Right side ( of course thats the one that is in the worst shape, three more baccardi's, and two hours later ) is still frozen on.

But on a side note, i did get to clean up the spindles a bit ( 15 years worth of crud built up on them, and got at the inside of my rims ( where the Jiffy lube guy hosed them down with Grease ), Brake pads need to be replaced. But hey it was an entertaining day.

So will soak it again tonight then try and remove it again wednesday ( along with maybe a new REAL nutcracker ) as back up.

Also thanks to all else who replied, and offered tips.

 

[Eagle85C4]

Letting it soak should do the trick...that stuff is great for loosening stuff...only one product comes close to it that I know of and it is called "Deep Creep" made by Sea Foam. But I still stick with Blaster.

 

[LarryK 87]

if it is as good as the seafoam, it must be awesome, used seafoam a few months ago, dumped it into a 1/4 tank of fuel drove it 5 miles left it sit for the day, When it restarted, it was a whole new car.

 

[Barrier]

Try using an Impact wrench on the nut. That usually will loosen a shock nut when the shaft turns. I don't know if you will have access from the top though.
Barrier