Unable to Remove Top Rear Shock Nut

So, I went to change out my shocks today to put in my new 2.0 resis, and upon attempting to remove my icon 2.0’s, I came to realize that the nut at the top mount WOULD not budge. It has been 2 nights of WD-40 and PB blaster being sprayed, and it still will not come off.

Here is what I tried with NO avail:

-clearing the dirt from the threading, spraying penetrating lube
-heating the nut and removing
-using a monkey wrench and a box wrench
-using vice grip pliers and a box wrench
-using v jaw pliers with significant leverage on the shock body (protected with cardboard)

what ended up happening!!!: the stem/bolt assembly unscrewed itself from the shock body from sheer force I was putting on it trying to unscrew the nut. I called up ICON who said That’s not supposed to happen but it’s okay if it does, lock tight just is old. They actually said it gives me better leverage and grip on the bottom of the stem, but with my luck, still, didn’t help. Any ideas? Other then taking an angle grinder to the nut? Which I am hesitant to do, due to the fact that I do not want to break my stem or ruin the threading on it.


The metal has started to chip because of how hard I’m prying at it! Best disc to use if I want to angle grind it?

 

6 inch metal cut off disc on a grinder. Just cut it off. I have had to cut out every rear strut on my rig.

 

Yeah that ain't supposed to happen. I had to use vice grips on mine on the old shock rod to get mine off. I would grind it off. That would be easiest then it should just fall outside.
Even if you gotta take out the wheel well liner I would be easier, make to to be careful with those plastic tabs though

 

Man haha yep. Might be my only option. What disc is best to get through steel? also how can I prevent this from occurring next time?

 

I think you must have done something weird. You'll probably never have that happen to you again.
Never seen that quite happen, but I don't work with shocks quite like that, just bilstiens. I would just grab a 4in wheel pack 0f a grinder and cutting wheel and see what works best.

Just be safe, if you don't wear gloves and glasses things can go bad quick.
Personally I don't like how toyota does thier rear shocks, but what do I know.

 

@Shellshock used something for this, don’t recall what though

 

Kind of a design flaw of what ever type the vertical stem is. Cutting out that whole mount and putting in a mount to be able to use a bolt type mount like the lower mount is an option. These trucks really don't mind cutting and rewelding stuff. You can buy a welder for the thicknesses required in the taco platform for under 300 bucks. Sorry i posted and didnt read your whole comment. Your going to have a super rough time trying to get it out with vicegrips. Maybe try threading a nut onto that bottom stem to actually be able to have something to grip onto.

 

Yeah, I try not to recommend things that require welding because I know most people don't want to mess with welding, or the tools. I have buddies that love doing it. I suck at it, I might actually quickly tackweld a metal bar onto the nub. Really depends what you have and skill level.

 

more penetrating lube, and continue this..

 

I'm sure you may have tried this already but worth a mention.
I see you are able to get a ring wrench on the top nut. Try using a length of pipe as an additional handle slipping it over the wrench for more leverage.

 

Oh just a sec, I just read you used locktite when it was installed. Did you use red or blue? Also there are generally two levels of red.
Or I should ask did you put in in the shock or holding the nut into the top nut?

 

sawzall

 

have you tried to heat it with a torch yet?

 

You know what that might give a easier angle.

 

I would just use a 4.5" metal cut off wheel.. not a 6"

 

Nut splitter

 

spend 600 bucks on your own set of oxy-acetelene torches and you wont have any issues removing anymore nuts and bolts .
Its the by far the best improvement you can make to a home garage and well worth the money

 

I used a sawzall to cut right thru my rear shock stud, bolt would not unscrew, go to HOMEDEPOT get a new metal cutting blade and zip it right off thru the bushing

 

And it's more fun! Used to use those for work all the time!

 

Not a bad price for a set of cutting torches , oxygen tank and acetylene tank .
Once you got that tool , you will have it forever .
In the salt belt , you need it .
here is as example

Ameriflame TI100A Medium Duty Portable Welding/Cutting/Brazing Outfit with Plastic Carrying Stand (Tanks Not Included)

https://www.amazon.com/Ameriflame-T...4369334&sprefix=oxy+acetylene+,aps,200&sr=8-3