I got my new Bilsteins, and Im trying to get the rear shocks off my 98 Runner.
How am I supposed to get the top nut off these things? :cry:

And why hasnt whoever designed these shock mounts been shot yet?

 

there should be write up somewhere (maybe try JArunner site).
I think you need a 14mm deepsocket wrench up on top nut (it is a tight work space) and and an upon wrench to hold onto the hex on the top of the shock housing.

 

If the old shocks are getting thrown away use a Sawzall and cut through the rod. I found that to be the the quickest way.

 

When I did mine, I used a 14mm deep socket (as has been said) with a flex-head ratchet and a strap wrench on the housing.

It's a real pain, but "once you get the hang of it" you don't even have to take the wheels off!

 

Like they said use the deep socket. It helps if your able to complety get under for best leverage. When I did mine I soaked the nut with seafoam penetrating fluid to make life eaiser. worst comes to wost, cut the damn thing off. At least destroying the old shock is fun.

 

You still cant get the shock off if you cut the shock shaft in half. You would have to cut the top shock mount bolt off, and to get to that with a sawzall seems like next to impossible.

 

Dont ask how I mastered that one!

 

You can always jack up the body........

 

That makes it MUCH easier.. Now that I have the body lift, it's WAY EASY.

 

A socket up top, and a strap wrench on the shock body worked for me. Also, soaking the top nut for 3-4 days in PB Blaster helped quite a bit. Was definitely a pain though, good luck!

 

Are the rear shocks on a 3rd gen any worse than a 2nd gen? I don't recall having any problems with my 2nd gen. Might be a "rust" problem.

 

if you can get it loose enough, just spin the body of the shock while using the deep socket on top. after spending 30mins on the first shock the second one only took 5 mins. i searched this awhile back and that seems to be the easiest way.

 

Yep, the top nut SUCKS. The BL helped a lot, but that may not apply to you.

In addition to the above recommendations, I would also like to add a set of Mechanix gloves to the list; unless of course you like missing skin and grease in your blood