I'm still a nu b and I've searched for tips on swapping out rear shocks and can't seem to get that stupid bolt off. I have a '97 Runner sr5 4x and was wondering if anyone has tried hole sawing a small hole from the inside to access the top bolt??

 

With a deep socket and a ratchet, you should be able to reach that top bolt. What I did was to use a piece of rubber and a plier to hold the shock while turning the top bolt. It's hard but possible.

Nam

 

Don't cut holes in your car... just use the right tools. I replaced my rear shocks with ease. Try lifting the rear end with something to drop the axle and get some room in there to work.

 

I'm doing my rears this weekend (my fronts took me 4 hours!!!) I'm just going to cut them off, since they're blown, anyway.

 

Drop the spare tire to give you some room then rent a sawzall and cut the shock stut right at the rubber bushing. They are alot easier to install then to remove especially in the rust belt.

 

Then you have to get new bolts and bushings right?

 

Clean the threads before you try to remove the nut otherwise all of the gunk will freeze up the nut and you will have to cut it.

 

They come with the new shocks.

 

man, i'm glad i'm not the only one that had such a hard time changing them out. there is abosalutly no room to move the rachet or anything. i was not smart enough to cut off the old shock, i did mine with alot of sweat, busted knuckles, and cramped hands. good luck

 

Lock a locking pliers/vice grips on the shock piston so it does not spin and forget about it. Then concentrate on the nut on top of the shock. Remember that the shock is inserted through at an angle so your socket has to mirror that to be effective.

 

Keep the bolt stationary w/ a socket/ratchet. then use a monkey wrench to turn the shock shaft cover.

 

Just Wanted to say thanks to everyone with the quick responses and tips!! I ended up soaking the nut for a couple days in PB Blaster and picked up a Chain Wrench to clamp on the shock body and cranked with a ratchet till the wrench rested against the springs and voila!! Took me twenty minutes on the second shock. Lovin the new OME's!!

 

Hey, if you know how to spell "voila", you're OK in my book.

Regards.