cant remove the front shock

[1971ford]

im trying to disassembly the front end but the top nut that holds the top of the shock to the mount stays attached to the stud of the shock and spins the shock rod thing when i torque on the nut.
that was a big nasty run-on sentance

how should i remove the shock with it all just spinning?

[SteveC]

i can remeber what it is call but we have a vicegrip type thing with a chain that wraps around what ever you need it to and then tightens....

though i wonder if you had a small enough oil filter wrench to hold it.

Are you trying to reuse the shocks later??? if not just cut the top of the shock bolt off...did that make sense

[1971ford]

vise grips cant get a grip on the rod thingy, and oil filter removers are too big because what in need to get a hold onto is only 3/4 in. think and its VERY smooth since its the part that goes into the shock to absorb bumps.

im not going to re-use the shocks, but i dont have anything capable of cutting a bolt size thing. we have a sawzall (or however you spell it) but it wont cut through a bolt, or atleast i couldnt get it to cut through one.

ill have to get a cut off wheel. i want one anyways

[mljjones67]

Use two wrenches. One on very top of the shock where there is two flat sides and one on the nut. A ratchet wont work it will keep on spinning.

[Wes]

There is a socket esp made for the top of a shock rod. The socket is oval shaped.

[1971ford]

There is a socket esp made for the top of a shock rod. The socket is oval shaped.

thats weird, how does it work

Use two wrenches. One on very top of the shock where there is two flat sides and one on the nut. A ratchet wont work it will keep on spinning.

i noticed that on the very tippidy top of the shock setup the end of the bolt thing that sticks up is squared off, so i grabbed a pair of vise-grips and grabbed it as hard as i could and then tried wrenching on that nut but it kept starting to strip the squared off end of the thingy.

[mljjones67]

Looks like you might have to cut it off then.
The best thing to do before you try to remove bolts or nuts like this is to really clean off the threads with a wire wheel. Then soak them good with you choice of penetrating oil. I use Kroil. the best I have found. Expensive but it is good.

[1971ford]

allright ill clean the threads and soak them in PB-blaster

[72stepside]

You might have to use primitive tools.... a hacksaw

Take the blade out and hold it with vice grips if necessary. I had to cut both rear shocks off the F100 that way, in my apt complex parking lot while in college. I got some strange comments due to the foul language coming from beneath the truck.

[seattle67]

Ryan, you could use a nut splitter.

[1971ford]

now THAT is something i want! gimmy gimmy gimmy!!!!!!

ive got to invest in one of those

[71PA_Highboy]

Run to Harbor Freight and buy yourself a 4 1/2" electric grinder (#91223) and some 4.5" cutting wheels... it will be the best $25 you will spend and will cut thru almost anything.

Don't waste your time with anything else.

JMHO,

eric

[FORDification]

I just grab the very tip of the stud (the non-threaded part) with a pair of ViceGrips to hold the stud while I remove the nut. Works great.

[1971ford]

I just grab the very tip of the stud (the non-threaded part) with a pair of ViceGrips to hold the stud while I remove the nut. Works great.

thats exactly what i was trying to do. no matter what, the nut didnt budge

[wildcard]

I agree with 71PA. A cutting disc is the best investment. I've cut lots of bolts and things with mine. And it only takes a second. Just be careful since it will cut anything metal or skin it comes in contact with. Don't ask how I know about the skin part.
And you will end up using it on lots of projects once you see how quick it is. At least I do. Just my