Need help quick lol

Does it matter how I remove old Firestone airbags - no order of operations? Can’t find any YouTube vids - but I have install instructions

 

They are clearly deflated, so no special order required after that.

Edit: on a closer look, it appears that the passenger’s side bag may still be inflated. That’s step one, then go to town.

You’ll need new rear bump stops on top of your leaf packs if you’re removing the firestones and not replacing them with a new set.

 

Tie a rope around one, loop rope around tree, tie to second. Start truck, engage Tow/Haul button and stomp on it! (Don't do this!)

 

I am getting so pissed off - I can’t get the fnk bolt off the top (where the valve was attached) -
the bolts on the mounts broke with the impact wrench so that’s done. But I can’t hold the heavy ass impact wrench to get at that bolt (valve is off) - I have breaking bar but there’s no clearance; Jesus, do I need to remove the spare tire?!
I have a new airbag set that I’ll install if I can take these fnk things off.
The other side looks inflated only because I’ve jacked up the driver side only - they’re def deflated as the truck was sold to me with these airlines (or lack thereof)

 

This is plan B - getting close

 

You have a torch? Heat cycle it a few times might break the internal rust bond. Also, think Autozone sells nutsplitters. Then there's always the savior of last resort - cutoff wheel.

 

Sawzall or cold chisel might get it done

 

With the can of penetrating oil that’s on there
- plan C

 

Pb blaster or other penetrating oil

 

I was thinking that - but thought I’d cheap out and not invest in one of those - didn’t think this would be so friggin frustrating.

 

Put a box end wrench and cheater on the wrench it will either loosen or break off

 

Lucky I'm a welder, so plan b for me always involves an angle grinder and a cutoff wheel. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail...

 

Hmmm- believe it or not - the hardware store here had no idea what a cheater bar was when I asked where to find them the other day.
I’ll have to ask for physical help then

 

Plasma torch or arc gouger for the serious problem solving.

 

Put box end wrench on the nut, then use another box end wrench as a cheater looped over the open end of the combination box open wrench.

 

Greasy af in there

 

Check out YouTube for how to use wrenches to multiply torque

 

if you have no use for the hardware and the nut inside of the frame, i would get a grinder with a cutoff wheel and low grit flapper disk and go to town. sometimes doing it the "right way" (trying to loosen rusted and corroded bolts) is the hard way.

 

Penetrants don't work near as well w/o some percussive maintenance, if you've already hosed it down with PB, be sure to give it some good whacks with a wrench or something. But I agree with 2mchfun, box end that sob and either use another wrench or some pipe if youve got it laying around, and manhandle that bastard.

 

Just noticed you already had a breaker bar, put a pipe on that thing and see which splits first, the nut or the socket!

 

I’d totally drop the spare tire for more room too.

 

He hasn't replied in more than 30 minutes, I think something broke... shall we take a poll: What did Tam break: The nut, his knuckles, a wrench, or his sanity?

 

*Her.

 

DOH, my apologies Tam!!!

 

She, by the way! - and I’ve tried all the suggestions; with the exception of using sawzall or grinder - and that’s only because my vehicle is jacked up and hardware stores are closed to buy one. I’m so frustrated; for real! lol - I’ve asked a friend to bring a sawzall- and now it’s dark. This was supposed to be my “hold over” while I load the back with camping gear in the am- waiting for the dobinson ims kit - as I’m driving on flat leafs, blown rear shock, and deflated airbags - fnk long story, but this was my trial at doing it myself. I wont jack shit up ever again without blades and grinders; maybe a welder lol

 

Hang in there. You're at the stage where it's hard to give you options without knowing what tools you have. You've got that 2' breaker bar and socket in the pic. You already tried putting a length of pipe over the handle? With 2 or 3 feet of pipe as extension, you'll either sheer that nut off or explode the socket, hopefully the former.

 

Just look at it as a learning experience. I’ve been there too with my old long traveled Tacoma. It was a sht show at times but after once not having a certain tool, I decided to go ahead an buy them. Now I’m using those tools on other projects too. It all pays off at the end.

Keep your head up and get it squared away tomorrow

 

Yes - I know now; lol - I was getting so mad because I just wanted to get it done and leave town early tomorrow (patience is clearly not my strong suit).
But….one side is officially done, hah!

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support rest assured I’ll be making at least a couple SOS posts when the susp and lift kit arrive - I’ll be making a tool list next week!