Proper tool to use for holding shock rod in place for removing/installing shock nut?

I've got the Sunex metric flare wrench set for that.

I just picked up larger needlenose type vise grips from Harbor Freight as @EatSleepTacos suggested and a 9" Diablo carbide metal cutting blade as @Tundra2 suggested at Home Depot.

HF wanted everything but my shoe size and a blood sample. What's going on with them?

Should be good to go...

 

I would recommend some penetrating fluid, maybe cover the end of the nub before spraying it so you don't lube up the area you need to grip. That could become a point of frustration.

An adjustable wrench should work, but have a good set of vise grips on hand in case and use a ratcheting box end on the nut if you have it, but a regular box end will do. If you have the room an impact might work on the front, you might have to get slightly risky and raise the front on a jack a bit as you go to keep enough tension for the nut to spin rather than let the shaft spin. Don't raise it enough that the spring can become violent, keep the tire on the ground to prevent catastrophe.

An impact definitely won't fit in the rear end. The method Noah mentioned is what I did on my rear shocks.

Good luck Jack.

 

Crap, I'm screwed; top hat of the shock shifted in place once I pried the bottom shock bolt out. I think I should have marked the alignment of the shock to the spring and removed the top of the stabilizer link first. I'll get into it tomorrow I guess; time to have a beer.

 

If it shifted like that you probably need new top hats…..

 

The problem was the LCA bolt holes don't align properly with the shock. Here's why I suggest to never buy Mevotech LCAs...

Check out how thin it is on the 2nd tab. It probably was drilled incorrectly.

 

Stay tuned tomorrow for the 2-3 times i need to compress and uncompress the shock to align it properly with the truck and get it installed.

 

Mine weren't lined up with the lower control arm mount either. I mounted it on the bucket, and spun the whole thing with a 3/8 extension in lower bushing mount to line it up.

 

I'll have to see if there's a way I can compress it so I can quickly check with a loose fit into the vehicle for alignment purposes. Thanks.

 

Right about here is where I would return the front shocks and buy some complete assemblies. Just me, though.

 

No need to compress it. Stick something in the lower eye and twist it an extension like @Tundra2 suggested or I used a long screwdriver. It'll move easier than you think.

 

He looked at them and they melted. Just put a little Kentucky on 'em.

I owe you an email.

 

Mine came off after 5 ugga duggas with the impact wrench on full blast. Well, to be truthful only one came off, the other just snapped the shock rod in half.