Top nut on Shock

[Skud]

Is there any trick to getting this stupid nut off?

I'm installing some FRPP C springs and Bilstein shocks/struts and I have the back all done.

The nut on the top of both front shocks doesn't want to come off. I've used a flat head screw driver, and everything else I can find to keep the shock from turning, but the nut is not moving..

Is there a special tool?

Thanks!!
Riley

 

[GDawg]

Air tool will do it but I found a long flat piece of steel and wedged that onto the slot and gave the wench some muscle. WD-40 would help too.

 

[Skud]

Thanks..

I hit it (hehe) with liquid wrench earlier this afternoon and I've tried all day. In fact I destroyed one of the slots while using a slim crowbar..

So, I hit it again (hehe) with a ton of liquid wrench and I'm going to let it sit overnight. I might just take it to a shop tomorrow and have them try at it with an impact..

Thanks!!
Riley

 

[forum155pl]

I usually just put a big ol fat screwdriver in there sideways with a wrench on the bottom..

 

[Skud]

That's exactly what I did.. But then one of the sides on the slot broke off.. So no more slot..

Riley

 

[bdcardinal]

i use my MATCO 1769Q impact gun. 1000ft-lbs of torque, the nuts come right off.

 

[hotmustang331]

We used the screwdriver method...if your not reusing your shocks (or selling them), just bust out the cutting torch or grinder . But only use that as a LAST resort....or you could use a grinder to make a new slot in the top of the shock threads.

 

[tomustang]

last resort, impact gun

 

[Mike97gt]

AHHH I love having air tools.. this takes all of 5 seconds with a impact gun

 

[Duke309]

it was harder for me to put the new nut on the new shock than take the old nut off the old shock, stupid wax they put inside the new nut.

 

[nwapache]

I just did mine last month, and i'm surprised that your slot actually broke. An impact gun is definitely the way to go. You might consider getting a new top nut, as the one you have may be crossthreaded or otherwise toasted.

 

[Skud]

Yep..

Took it to sears and they spun if off with an impact in 30 seconds..

Got my C springs on and it looks killer.. I'll try and snap some pics with my cell..

Thanks guys!!

Riley

 

[nwapache]

congrats! and if you decide its not low enough after a day or so, do a thread search about your options

 

[Skud]

congrats! and if you decide its not low enough after a day or so, do a thread search about your options

Thanks!!

I only used the top isolators on the front and back. I wrapped the bottoms in electrical tape instead of the isolators.

The front is definitely low enough.. But the ford instructions I got say that if it's still not low enough after awhile then you can cut 1/2 coil off the springs.. (Yes, the FORD instructions say this)..

Thanks!!
Riley

 

[nwapache]

you don't want to type the words "cut springs" on this forum...about 10 guys will go bananas.....have no fear...I clipped .5 coil off the front and it turned out perfect! But if anyone asks i'll say someone edited my post

 

[tomustang]

then you can cut 1/2 coil off the springs.. (Yes, the FORD instructions say this)..

That because they are dead coils, leave it to ford to not make a new springs from scratch but to add coils to an old design for a different molded car