New Shocks In FJ-80

[SoCalJohn]

Well , I have my new shocks, got under my truck in a pissy mood, tired, bang up my hands a little, and was thinking I could fall asleep under here. So I need to regroup, get in the right mood. Maybe better tools too.
The shocks like to spin, can't seem to get the bolts loose and my 17mm socket does not want to fit completely over the nut with the ratchet extension piece attached. I thought I would give this another shot early Sat morning, any one near by want to help. I am in Orange, near Taft and Tustin Av. I can offer a Saturday Morn Beer and extra hands to work on your project. I have a roomy driveway. Open to recommendations as well. Thanks guys.

 

[Boston Mangler]

If you are removing shocks that you plan on tossing in the trash, i found an easy solution to removing them.

First, soak whatever nuts and bolts you are removing overnight with PB Blaster.

Then, grab the upper portion of the shocks (larger diameter thin metal) and crush it with a good set of channel locks. Then have a friend (or contort yourself) hold the channel locks while you remove that upper nut that some engineering deserves a kick in the balls for designing!

Thats the easiest way i have found and have done it on many rigs!

 

[SoCalJohn]

Thanks, Kevin. Sounds good to me, Off to get larger channel locks. How do you get access to upper rear shock area?? Is this a dumb question? Should I be removing my wheel?

 

[Boston Mangler]

Hey John

I am drawing a blank, and the rig isnt near me right now.

If i remember corretly, i did remove my wheels, but for some reason, i think i had to access it from the engine compartment. I can check when i get home.

Dont forget the PB BLaster!

 

[RAYJON]

the rear uppers are on a plate with two bolts next to them... remove the two bolts and the bracket and the shock will come out... BTW the way I do it is Air gun and a leather glove.. Leather glove to hold the shock... and the gun for the nuts on top... I also have a rechargeable little rattle gun that if they arn't on there too hard will take them off.... Good luck....

 

[Boston Mangler]

hey john

if ya get stuck and want to drive to san diego first thing saturday AM, let me know and i will give ya a hand

 

[SoCalJohn]

RayJon- on the rears, the rattle gun, is it low cost at auto stores? Is it best to pull the rear tires off.

Kevin- the front seams pretty accessible without removing tires, No go on coming down to SD, have an easter party at noon and bday at 6pm in Diamond Bar. Thanks a bunch for the offer. Off to get PB Blaster.

 

[Boston Mangler]

Off to get PB Blaster.

It will soon become your best friend!

 

[Newps]

John:

Sorry, I cannot help you this Saturday, I have my hands full with a project of my own. I have to leave for Moab early Sunday morning so I have to get this done. Hope it goes well, keep us posted.

Tare

 

[RAYJON]

Ratttle gun= Air gun or there are some rechargeable ones the one I have is a Makita and it is about 5 years old there are better ones now but they are still about 200$... Low Qualiy Air guns are cheeper but you have to have a compressor so it depends on how much you use it... If you were closer you could come over and do it here... Good luck....

 

[Slomo]

John,

Probably too late but if you want to drive down to Mission Viejo I have air tools you are welcome to use but my rig is in the garage with a blown HG so I am immobile. Let me know and good luck.

Mo

 

[Boston Mangler]

progress on the shocks??

we need to use this So Cal 80's site more!

kevin

 

[Newps]

John,

Probably too late but if you want to drive down to Mission Viejo I have air tools you are welcome to use but my rig is in the garage with a blown HG so I am immobile. Let me know and good luck.

Mo

John:

Say it isn't so... When will you have it back up and running? I left you a message on your cell but I never heard back. Give me a call next week and we can talk.

Tare

 

[Slomo]

Originally posted by Newps

John:

Say it isn't so... When will you have it back up and running? I left you a message on your cell but I never heard back. Give me a call next week and we can talk.

Tare

Tare,
Yeah it blew right after new synthetics too. I got your message but last week was crazy. I tried you on monday and got the message that you were in Moab. You dog, I am so jealous. I will give you a call next week.

Mo

John,
Did you get the shocks on ok?

Kevin,
I agree we need to use this area more.

 

[SoCalJohn]

Well, yes the shocks are on. I was able to do one, ran out of time and took to my garage to finish. Of course saved a bunch of $ buying from Cdan. I immediately left for Nevada, spent couple days in Henderson, a world of an improvement, truck was fully loaded, (family, tools, extra gas, luggage) but felt like a luxury car, well luxury truck. Thanks for all you offers of help. I have been barely on the forum for a couple weeks, and I am catching up!

 

[Slomo]

So do you have 4 new shocks on or just one? Glad you got it taken care of. I remember how nice it was to get new shocks on when they are completely blown. Makes a world of difference.