Tip on how to remove a stubborn rear shock that wants to spin.

Probably a topic that has been touched on a few times but, here it goes.

So after 30k miles, I finally got around to swapping out the suspension on my 3rd gen SR.

Naturally, the bolts have seen better days and were pretty seized due to corrosion despite being sprayed religiously with PB Blaster.

When attempting to remove the rear shock absorber, the piston just spun, and spun, and spun.

Okay, maybe it needs some uga dooga's from an impact. Nope, no luck.

So I consult TW, did many searches and found out that people were resorting to grinders or clamping a vice grip directly to the piston after removing the dust cover.

Here's the simplest way that I found on getting the shocks off WITHOUT cutting anything.

Note: I have zero intention of ever re-using these parts but you might notice that the area I clamped onto isn't actually making direct contact with the piston.

Step one: Remove the lower bolt that attaches the shock to the axle. From there, let the shock fully extend downward. This will create a cavity/clearance that will allow you to get a small set of vice grips in. This gave enough grip/bite to get the bolt off with minimal spinning of the piston.


Note: The keyed section at the top of the shock does have a socket specifically for it that allegedly prevents shaft spin. Well, it's not very sturdy as it snapped right off on my divers side shock


See the pictures below.

 

In the past l have had to cut old shocks off that were seized

 

If you are referring to the slotted tip, I did attempt to use a vice grip on the top and after two good cranks, the tip broke off.

They make a socket for it link here:

$10 CTA Tools A430 GM Shock Absorber Socket

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-A4...ocphy=9023827&hvtargid=pla-449889604011&psc=1

But it seems to be a weak spot from what I have experienced

 

When I did the rear shocks on my XJ, it took 2 days worth of PB Blaster, a torch, grinder and a bolt extractor. Fun times... lol

 

you sure you can't put an allen wrench on top of that thing??

take this picture as an example...

 

Typically you get hex keyed or you get the kind that need the socket but not both.

OP, if you have a grinder and aren't keeping these, cut off the dust boot and get some vice grips on the shaft there... much easier than gripping up top.

 

On older gens that works IIRC. The 3rd gens aren't keyed for an allen wrench.

You also need to make sure that when working on suspension that is keyed for an allen, that its not for making adjustments to the suspension.

 

I simply went this route to see if there was a way to accomplish this without cutting. A lot of members here might be inclined to sell their old stuff so it was really me trying to contribute and make someones life easier lol

 

I think only bilstein has that

 

only way is sawzall with a metal cutting blade right thru the stud, but that will destroy the shock if you plan on selling them

 

But...I just......showed you that It can de done without cut...

Sigh


NVM

 

it depends I had to cut mine off wasn't worth wrestling with them if your going to toss them out IMO

 

Grab the shock body with some channel locks and then turn the nut with the other hand/wrench. Done pb blast before

 

Could get lucky that way, yes. Tried that but still got the spins.

 

Just cut it then

 

lol this would be one heck of a mistake and really if capable of such a mistake should probably rethink wrenching on a motor vehicle

 

borrow or get a sawzall, go to HOMEDEPOT buy 2 new metal cutting blades cut right thru the bushing thru the stud done, toss in garbarge