how do i take off my shocks

[Stang|ess]

Im installing my rear springs and shocks right now, and Im at the point where I take off my old shocks and replace them with the new. I turn the nut, and the entire piston thing turns with it!

I had this problem with my struts, but there was a slot to stick a pry bar and use a cresant wrench to remove it, but there's no slot for the shocks.

 

[vertigasen]

Im installing my rear springs and shocks right now, and Im at the point where I take off my old shocks and replace them with the new. I turn the nut, and the entire piston thing turns with it!

I had this problem with my struts, but there was a slot to stick a pry bar and use a cresant wrench to remove it, but there's no slot for the shocks.

The top of the shock in the rear should have very slight cutouts on the sides at the top (part without the threads). I used a pair of vice grips, locked into the groves and went to town. The only problem I had was the damn sealant that Ford used on the inside of the trunk was over the retaining washer so after I removed the shock I had to fill it. Hope that helps.

 

[BlackenedSVT]

Try this site:

http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/steedaspring1.htm

This is a "how-to" for a spring install. But basically once you get the springs out, you can mess with the struts. You do NOT HAVE to take the springs all the way out (if i remember correctly) in order to install the struts/shocks.

Good luck, its not that hard. And when you want to remove the struts, try using an air gun so it zips it off faster so the strut doesn't even have time to think about spinning on you =)

 

[BlackenedSVT]

oh i see you are doing a "rear" install only. Hmm i'll try and find you a better walk through...

 

[Kilgore Trout]

+1 vice grips...

 

[03ghoststang]

+2 on the vice grips

 

[Stang|ess]

vice grips + million

finally done, but it looks the same. can't wait for it to settle. pics will come soon.

 

[Mindstatic Pro]

Use an IMPACT!! Turn it all the way up and it will "outrun" the shock and zip the nut right off.

+458,327 IMAPCT!!!!!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Use an IMPACT!! Turn it all the way up and it will "outrun" the shock and zip the nut right off.

+458,327 IMAPCT!!!!!

That works great on the front struts, I am not so sure it would work on the rear shocks. It is pretty tight in the trunk in there and the impact gun would need a very deep well socket. But I guess it could work...

 

[Mindstatic Pro]

^^^^ It is a bit tight but can be done with a nice wobbly socket of the right size. Looks like the vice grips worked just fine.

 

[Outlaw97GT]

Just go down to your local autoparts store and get a shock removal tool, cost like 6-7 bucks.
Easy to use and next time you have that prob, you have the tool.....

 

[bdcardinal]

impact. i use my 3/8 impact gun with a deep universal impact. works every time.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Just go down to your local autoparts store and get a shock removal tool, cost like 6-7 bucks.
Easy to use and next time you have that prob, you have the tool.....

how does it work...?