Tried a search, but no luck. Hopefully there is someone out there on a beautiful Saturday hoping some poor fool needs help?!?!

I am replacing the shocks on my truck. I was able to remove the upper bolt and even break free the lower (removing the flag nut). But my problem is I can't remove the lower shock bolt!!!

I can turn it within the shock, but it is tight. I can compress the shock and move it back and forth and see play where the bolt enters and exits the suspension arm. I've tried lube, heat, hammers, impact wrenches....no luck. Been at this for about 4 hours and still working on the first shock...aggravating.

At this point, I may be cutting off the bolt, then getting a new one. Does anyone know the bolt size that I will need?


Thanks a bunch.
Joe

1999 Ram 1500 SLT QC 4x2

 

i'm not positive, but i'm going to guess its about 13-14mm or maybe 1/2-9/16. i had to replace one of my lower rear bolts, and i think i used a 9/16.

if it comes to it, you should be able to take the flag nut to a hardware or parts store and come up with a match. can you punch the bolt out from the end ?

 

I think what I did any not 100% positive as it was a few months ago but took a extension and put it on the bolt then took a hammer and knocked it out through the hole. So basically just put the extension on the back. I think thats how I did it but like I said been a few months. I can't remember if I used a 1/2" or a 3/8" extension.

 

i had to use a small sldgehammer to get mine out. the regular hammer wasn't working. did you try that?

 

geez i cant help either .. and i just put 3 inch lift in mine today .. i know for a fact they were a bitch to remove .. breaker bar and pipe on one .. it is tight in their to push it through.. and i couldnt imagine doing it with out the flaggy nut thingy .. for certain and surprised the sway bar ling is metric .. 12x 1.25 .. ya try finding a castle nut in that size lol

 

I feel your pain. Just put a 5 inch lift on my 95 Ram and the lower control arm bolts that have the alignment cams on it was frozen into the arm. Eventially had to cut off the bolt on each end and go to the dealership to order 2 of them bastards. Cost me close to $60 for the pair.

 

damit boy that hurts .. i would have liked to go bigger on the lift but just couldnt justify the cost once you get past the 3 mark .. not a big fan of body lifts but im going 3 under their also .. its just an asphalt mudder that might see the beach3 - 4 times a year .. going to look at a set of 315 "s tomorrow hope they fit

 

I have a pair of factory lower front shock bolts sitting in my console, as I need to replace one of my bent ones. Ill read the size off of them and tell you tomorrow.

 

Thanks all. Ended up having to cut the shock off as the inner collar or sleeve from the shock was rusted solid to the bolt. It ended up being that collar that was rotating. Driver side came out without much trouble, but I will be replacing both with new.

Viper37, did you have to purchase those bolts from the dealer?

I sure do hope that the rear shocks go much better today. That is if I can find the bolts at Kentucky Motors (O'Riely's and Autozone weren't able to help).

Thanks again,
Joe