Satanic Upper Rear Shock Mounts

[JSimmons]

Yeah so...how the hell do you get at these things? Also, did anyone have a hell of a time figuring out what size the stupid nuts are on the top side of the upper rear shock mounts? I swear I tried everything from 13mm to 18mm and from 1/2" to 3/4" but nothing seems to fit. Please tell me your rear suspension disassembly secrets.

You know...for such a cool rig and all, Jeep sure did a hell of a job just throwing random bolt and nut sizes on. I can see it now:

Engineer 1: Hey Engineer 2, we haven't used a Torx 20 yet on the front suspension, what do you say we just go with one of those?

Engineer 2: You know Engineer 1, you're right. Let's do it. And while we're at it, let's use an 18mm nut on the 9/16" bolt that holds the steering damper on and make sure it will cause near pyschosis for someone to back it out, since the lower spring perch will be in the way!

Engineer 1: Engineer 2, you're a genius.

Engineer 2: What's that?

:rolleyes:

[korisu56]

The top nuts on the rear shock mounts (on the frame if I understand your plight correctly) are tack welded to the bar. The reason I know this is because I broke off all of my bolts and had to air chisel them off. Good times.

[enil01]

Dynamite.

[crazy4ink]

3/8" ratchet extension, 12"s long
3/8" universal
13mm short socket

Use some of the Freeze Off that I mentioned in your "ball joint" thread.

Also, it is sometimes neccessary to tap the socket onto the bolt heads.

Be advised, the bolts are probably going to break. Be prepared to drill the broken bolts and use EZ-outs to remove the remains.

[korisu56]

So is the nut not tacked onto the frame?

[TexCJ7]

no it should be the bolt that is tacked

[crazy4ink]

So is the nut not tacked onto the frame?

There are threads cut into the underside of the body.



no it should be the bolt that is tacked

No, the bolts are supposed to be removable

[JSimmons]

So, the bolts coming from the underside of the mount are removable but the nuts on top are not? Got it.

Great. Last thing I need is to make another trip to the parts store. Thanks for the tips though on the required tools.

I'm off to check on the "ball joint" thread.

Mahalos

[GunmetalGrey]

Wish I would have read this before I tackled mine. I snapped three, and the fourth came out without incident. Brought it to the garage to have them take care of it (as I don't have the tools nor the patience) and it took them three hours to un-kcuf it.

Next time I'm spraying them down for a couple days before attempting to back them out.

[JSimmons]

Well, these are done. No problems at all. Came right out like crazy4ink said. Rear suspension is DONE.

Now the front suspension...well...that's a different story. I'm posting a plead for help in this forum. See new thread.

[HillBillE]

When replacing rear shocks, it's a great time to upgrade and install "bar pin eliminators".

They bolt where the 'bar pin' on the top of the rear shock would mount, then you use 'normal' shocks, or a bolt through the eliminator, instead of those stinking bar pins.

There are a couple different styles, but most guys I've seen use the lower swaybar mounts from the rear axle of an XJ or TJ. These can be welded in, and still allow for the shock to be removed.

I'm helping my buddy out with his tomorrow night, I'll try and remember the camera!

[JSimmons]

Sounds like a good idea!