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Rear Shock Removal....

4.8K views 29 replies 12 participants last post by  haunter  
#1 ·
I can get the lower bolt to spin with my breaker bar, but the nut spins too....


any suggestions? that are one-man-able?

I will acquire a 19mm box end wrench in a bit, my set stopped at 18mm

my craftsman air impact doesn't seem up to the task, either.
 
#6 ·
i had a friend with me when i did it . . . but we did not help each other with the shocks. he did one side i did the other. i believe an adjustable and a socket wrench was what i used. if i recall correctly on the passenger side it was a pain because there was not much room, took forever because each "turn" of the socket wrench was only about 2 inches, but it wasn't hard. just slow.
 
#8 ·
I snagged a 19mm Cresent and can get it captive, but I'm afraid I was out of juice by then. My impact still won't do it either. I'm going to try and get a cheater pipe for my breaker bar tonight, and a buddy is dropping off another impact to try tomorrow morning.

My usual 'I don't want to do this job' mechanic quoted me 225....no thanks.
 
#10 ·
Are the bolts rusty?

If its really that hard to get off and you need this truck to get around you might want to go pick up some replacement bolts and nuts in case they end up breaking off. And if they're rusted bad you should replace them anyway.
 
#12 ·
they are pretty spotless, for an IL truck.

They've been off the truck before, and its an 06.

Im picking up a nice snap on 220 ft/lb rated impact tonight from a buddy, should hopefully make for an easier morning than afternoon

I feel like a bit of a sissy right now, though :(
 
#11 ·
Doesn't matter which way you do it, but I suggest putting the crescent wrench on the bolt head and using the air tool or whatever to spin the wrench around till it hits the axle. Then use a breaker bar or pipe to turn the nut end.
 
#15 ·
Using the floor jack is a great idea and it has worked for me. The other way I have done it is go buy two new nuts and bolts and just cut the old ones. This is the easiest way I have done it on several Xterras.
 
#16 ·
You guys are working to hard. First of all do not use a cresent wrench, will probably slip and round bolt head. For the nut use a box wrench and a couple of 2x4's. With the wrench on the nut and the 2x4's on the ground let it spin around so the wrench engages the 2x4's. With your breaker bar or another box wrench put it on bolt at about 7 o'clock position. Now YOU spin around and put your foot on it and give it a quick push, should hear a snap after that its pretty easy going. Just replaced mine this past weekend by myself. Good luck. Did I mention to keep hydrated? Safety first:eek:ccasion5:
 
#17 ·
the snap on impact + 19mm box end did the trick.

rears are in!

right now im at 34" in front to wheelwell, and 35 in the rear

I have spacers for the front, my AAL isn't here yet, so I didn't install it yet
 
#19 ·
rears are in!

right now im at 34" in front to wheelwell, and 35 in the rear

I have spacers for the front, my AAL isn't here yet, so I didn't install it yet
Looks like you are currently very near stock wheelarch height if you are running stock size tires (265/70R16), which is 33 7/8" Front and 35 1/8" Rear for the "S" model. That's little or no settling after 9 years of use!