Shock Removal
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Shock Removal
About as basic a question is it gets but... tring to replace the original shocks on my 87 and the retaining nut is locked. Tried the vise grips on top but it's just rounding off no matter what I do. Soaked in Blaster. Even tried putting another nut on top to get a better grip. Any tricks/suggestions? And btw, what size is the retaining nut?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
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From: PA
Hmmm, you already know you shouldn't have gone after the bolt and nut with Vise Grips. I don't know what the nut size is. You need the propper wrenches and I assume you already found that out. There are special sockets you can buy that remove rounded bolt heads and nut. I think you better go to the auto parts store, Sears or somewhere like that now.
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Actually, I started out with wrenches - closest I could get was 6mm on top and 15mm on the nut. I've started wondering: do the shocks need to be compressed to get the nut off? Would taking off the lower nuts help/harm? Anyway, what's done is done and I am prepared to cut them so... These are Bilstein Gas -any special concerns?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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It didn't appear that it would, Brian, but I thought I'd check. (Say hello to Boston when you get back. Lived there for three years and loved it. Too cold for me now, though.)
RW: Thanks. That'll be easier than going with a keyhole which I was thinking of.
RW: Thanks. That'll be easier than going with a keyhole which I was thinking of.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 532
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From: Cleveland Ohio
We use to take an extended socket with a long extension, place it over the nut and rock back and forth from side to side. This eventully breaks (wear hardens) the rod just below the nut. Of course if you're planning on rebuilding, that won't work...............Frank
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 79
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
with the heat the nut part. Spray your PB Blaster and let sit overnight. Since you stipped the top of the shock stud, tighten down as much as possible with those vice grips or pipe wrench and heat up nut and turn coounter clock wise to remove. Good Luck. 
