learned that one the hard way, couldnt figure out for the life of me what the hell it was.

 

me too.

 

Shocks are simple, a girl could do them ,,, Well, maybe not that easy.
Anyhow the only potential PITA is rusted on bolts, in that case you may need a cutting wheel to get them off.

 

If you're lucky, the new shocks will have the strap on them (to make them fit in the box) and if you leave it on then it will stay compressed until you get the shock tower bolted back on and get the washer and rubber grommet on the shock. Then you clip it and guide the shock into the shock tower as it extends.

 

Otherwise it's gonna be such a pain in the ***, when i put my bilsteins in the plastic leash for the one on the passenger side had broken inside the box and for whatever reason it was a freaking bitch to get it to line up after that.

 

If it does break then you can take a piece of rope and tie it around the top of the shock then run it through the middle of the spring. Then push down on the shock while you take up slack on the rope. Then tie it off until you get the tower/washer/grommet on it. It will make it easier to hold the rope if you wrap it around the spring one time instead of just going through it. You can take the rope over the tire and tie it off on your rim.

 

Not to thread steal but I didnt wanna open up another for a like problem.I have 2wd and I cant get the nut off the top of the front shock.I've loosened it up but it wont go any further.The whole top part of the shock turns.I broke my strap wrench on earlier today.I'm gonna try a pipe wrench tomorrow but if that dont work I'm gonna saw through it with some 7.62x39.Help me out before the cops coming knocking on my door.

 

well, decided to start my Ujoint and shock replacement. jacked up the drivers side wheel, got the tire and caliper off. then the 3 bolts that hold the hub on (pain in the nuts) then decided to hit the Big Nut. broke my 1/2in drive ratchet, then followed by busting 2 3/8 drive ratchets. Ran outta ratchets so called er a night. BUT upon jacking the truck up, I have noticed that not only did the shock leak all its oil out, but it is actually snapped right off at the bottom!!!! (shock, not the mount) never seen that **** before!

 

if all else fails cut it off with a cutoff tool or sawsall.

mine had a flattened section at the end of the nut for gripping it. i put a vise grip on that flat spot and help it tight. is yours rusted up? give it a bath in penetrating oil of your choice and let it soak. pbblaster or other.

 

3/8's. ha. the big nut eats 3/8 as a snack.
lots of penetrating oil. let it soak. hit it with some power - 1/2 or 3/4+ impact gun.