front shock/strut replacement
Trailering
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
I’m trying to find the size of the 3 nuts that hold the spring assembly so so I can put two nuts together on the top of the bolt to lock it so I can loosen the bottom nut along with some heat. If you know the size actual size please let me know. I tried a 15 mm socket won’t fit on the nut. I tried a 17 mm and it’s a bit loose any suggestions on the proper size of nut.
Thanks for your help in advance
P/ S This is turned into a bigger job than expected especially with all the rust. It will get done and using a haxsaw on two nuts would work on two of them but the 3 rd one in the engine compartment is pretty near impossible to do.
Thanks for your help in advance
P/ S This is turned into a bigger job than expected especially with all the rust. It will get done and using a haxsaw on two nuts would work on two of them but the 3 rd one in the engine compartment is pretty near impossible to do.
Last edited by Dead_goldstar; Jan 1, 2018 at 09:22 AM. Reason: Being morr specific with what is needed.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
From: Willis, Texas
Dead_goldstar, I hate to say it sir but I don't have that answer.
the actual thread size would be probably a 3/8-16 or a 10-1.5 on the metric side. Now, this would normally show as a 9/16" or a 14 or 15mm. Not sure what you are dealing with here though so...
My guess would be to try a 16mm wrench or the fractional equivalent 5/8. the rust may be playing with you here as well causing the nut to be an oddball size due to the rusts affect on the metal.
Good luck!
D
the actual thread size would be probably a 3/8-16 or a 10-1.5 on the metric side. Now, this would normally show as a 9/16" or a 14 or 15mm. Not sure what you are dealing with here though so...
My guess would be to try a 16mm wrench or the fractional equivalent 5/8. the rust may be playing with you here as well causing the nut to be an oddball size due to the rusts affect on the metal.
Good luck!
D
Trailering
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
I very much appreciate your help and advice hopefully I can get this strut out and finish the job it’s always something that slows you down.
Thanks again
Alvin
Thanks again
Alvin
Last edited by Dead_goldstar; Jan 2, 2018 at 07:25 AM. Reason: Same word twice removed one
Trailering
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
Progress on strut removal
Well I got the nuts that fit but they won’t hold and the bolt still turns so I went for broke and used a set of heavy locking Visa grips to hold the bolt. I then used wire brush to clean bolt heated it up with Benzomatic torch no dice still the bolt turns. I’m assuming my only option now is to have someone with a torch cutter to get it out and replace the upper strut mount on it. Can I get away with just changing the one side not sure if I want to go through this again on the other side as well.
Trailering
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
Strut bolts rusted on.
Hi everyone I borrowed an axel grinder from a friend and it’s doing the job well. I might still have to replace the strut mount will see how the bolts look when I get it off. It’s a slow process but it’s getting done and it will be off the truck.
Thanks for everyone who helped me with this problem it’s much appreciated.
Take care
Thanks for everyone who helped me with this problem it’s much appreciated.
Take care
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 2
From: Willis, Texas
guessing with the use of your kilometers instead of miles and the rust you live in canada? road salt I am guessing.
Man that is some nasty rust you are dealing with. if it were me...I'd have gone straight to the gas axe...used a cutting torch to get them off.
good luck bro
D
Man that is some nasty rust you are dealing with. if it were me...I'd have gone straight to the gas axe...used a cutting torch to get them off.
good luck bro
D
Trailering
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
Great advice Thanks again
That’s one item I haven’t purchased yet but plan to since I intend on working on more vehicles in the future. I’m sure the person who owned it did a lot of off roading and probably parked it in a field of some kind it’s definitely has a lot of rust that I’m working with. I’m sure after Im done it will be a great truck and Zi enjoy working on it. I’m going to have a big learning curve with the 5.4 Triton 3 v engine.
Trailering
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
Thought I would give you an update on my strut job had to use a angle grinder to cut the bolts off purchased 2 new strut assembly ones and installed them in no time. Job is done now onto the complete brake job all around.
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
same problem
That’s one item I haven’t purchased yet but plan to since I intend on working on more vehicles in the future. I’m sure the person who owned it did a lot of off roading and probably parked it in a field of some kind it’s definitely has a lot of rust that I’m working with. I’m sure after Im done it will be a great truck and Zi enjoy working on it. I’m going to have a big learning curve with the 5.4 Triton 3 v engine.
Thanks, hope you read this!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,095
Likes: 4,148
From: Near Cal. Avenue
Cutting torch most likely is your best option with the rust mess.
after soaking the nuts and threads you drive on a 6 point impact
WITH A SOFT HAMMER.
THE 6 Point socket then fits firmly, but your rust is best handled with a cutting torch.
I would focus my attention to the rust on the rear frame, cab back. Invest
in a rust bucket can get expensive if the frame is compromised...
Holes, cracks, loose stuff, that sort of eye candy. Things hanging loose.
after soaking the nuts and threads you drive on a 6 point impact
WITH A SOFT HAMMER.
THE 6 Point socket then fits firmly, but your rust is best handled with a cutting torch.
I would focus my attention to the rust on the rear frame, cab back. Invest
in a rust bucket can get expensive if the frame is compromised...
Holes, cracks, loose stuff, that sort of eye candy. Things hanging loose.
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