Remove Shock Retaining nut

[kmckenzi]

I've started to replace the shocks on my '81. Whats the magic to get the upper retaining nut off. I'm using an open ended wrench to keep it from spinning, but there just isn't enough room in there to turn the nut itself.

Thanks
Ken

 

[Gator81]

Hey, Ken,

Well, it's been awhile since I did that, but I don't recall having a lot of trouble with it. Is the problem that the shaft of the shock absorber is turning when you try to loosen the nut? If that's the case, I would probably clamp a set of Vise-Grip pliers on the shaft above the nut. A shot of Liquid-Wrench penetrating oil (yellow can), allowed to sit overnight, would probably help too.

Seems like I remember being able to just put a wrench on it, but you're saying there's not enough room... maybe use a deep socket? That won't help if the shaft is spinning in the shock, tho...

One set of tools I acquired recently that I find very useful is the ratcheting wrench. Mine are the "Gear Wrench" brand. They're stubbies, and that ratchet action lets you do stuff in places where a wrench usually wouldn't work...

Good luck!

 

[kmckenzi]

That's my problem. That thing keeps a spinnin. I'll take your advice and put the liquid wrench on it. I also found out that you can actually buy a socket to fit on the top of the shaft. That way you only need to hold the nut and loosen the shock with the socket. If I can't find the socket, I'll look for the wrench you mentioned.

Thanks

Ken

 

[kmckenzi]

I checked the box where the shocks came in and noticed new hardware (nuts, bushings, etc). So I ended using a nut splitter to remove the nut. Took 10 seconds to get it off.