1997 F150 4x4, rear shocks done.
Front shocks headache...bottom nut...
...seems 11/16" fits, just, 18mm too big and turned the corners of the nut a bit...17mm too small...
Anyone have a trick?
Do I need to remove the sway bar mounts and pivot the sway bar out of the way?
Seems a standard socket bottoms out on the bolt, and a deep socket is too long - hits the hump of the sway bar mount...
Darn, and the top nut went so well!
Any input? Thank you.
Jim

 

Seems to me, that I just use a box wrench on the nut itself. I usually spray some PB Blaster on all the nuts/bolts first. Usually have more trouble breaking the bolt loose inside the shock's lower sleeve, than getting the nut off. I use a propane torch with a swirl tip to cook the bolt then spin it out.

Dave

 

Space permitting I would try to slip a piece of heavy pip over the wrench and use it as a cheater bar.

 

I did front shocks recently. Don't know if RWD and 4WD had the same shock, but I didn't use SAE.

Do you mean you rounded the corners with 18 and now 17 doesn't fit? Or 17 didn't fit and used 18, only to round the corners?

 

Thanks for inputs...
...tried dry fitting all sizes...socket, box end, open end before elbow grease, thus no rounding during fit period...seems strange to me that nothing fits just right...anyway, sounds like muscle power and just the right angle will have to do...used PB Blaster for two days before removal attempt...no room for a cheater bar...will regroup and try again after my business travels...must say though, with just two new shocks on rear, wow, what a nice difference! Can't wait to get all four pumping....

 

I just did front shocks today. It was easy..all I did is pb blast, remove the nut and beat out the bolt. One side was a little seized but it came out. Advance auto also sells new replacement bolts $1.27 each.

 

Thanks 00GT...glad yours went well.
What size nut? What tool did you use?
I tired turning the bolt but is only a 13mm...even with socket, could not get enough torque to break it loose...
I checked Advance Auto for bolts, none listed...figured I'd need them after mangling the nut...the counter guy was stumped...will check my Ford dealer or ford parts dot com.

 

Looks like the bolt turns in this case.
The nut appears to be fixed to a dog ear that bottoms ccw against the frame.
See exploded parts view below.
Will check my Ford dealer for OEM and study again.
Ok, can't insert image...not sure about the http:// script prompt for image insert...
Anyway, will report back...

 

I'm at work now but when I get home ill get the part numbers off of the pkg for the bolts for you. I used 13mm to but I was able to use a long extension. It is a little cramped in there. I have the same problem at autozone no one knows what the hell there doing.

 

Thanks again OOGT.
I'm back from travel now...will attack this again this Saturday.
I picked up two bolts from the local Ford dealer, shipped in from another dealer, $4 each. Only two dealers in USA showed bolts on hand...
Nuts D/C'd, dealer said sorry, can't get them.

Bolt head is 13mm, good fit. I tried a long extension bar on a 3/8" drive but wouldn't budge. I'm thinking air impact driver now...hate to buy one but may be the only way to save paying someone to do it...will report back.