I'm beating my head against a wall trying to remove the front shocks on my Bullnose truck.

What socket do I need to hold the top stud of the shock while I remove the nut securing it to the frame?

I've tried this 25284 AND A430 available on Amazon. Is it just the fact that Amazon is loaded with cheap imported junk that these sockets don't fit right?




Am I supposed to use a set of vise grips on he top stud of the shock, or an oil filter strap wrench around the shock to keep it from rotating while I loosen the nut securing it to the frame? I thought shocks were supposed to be easy.

I'll post a pic of the shock this afternoon. All I had time for this morning before work was checking the top socket and finding out it wouldn't work.

 

i use vice grips clamped tight

 

If you are replacing the shocks quick way is to cut them off with a torch, just have a way to put out the flames when the bushing gets to warm and it will! This what you are looking for? https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-...-absorber-tool

 

Yeah, I have that Lisle tool. Unfortunately, I might have to remove the wheel wells, or cut the Lisle tool in 1/2 with a hacksaw to get it to fit.

 

I'll be waiting for your picture. I had no idea I'd need a special tool to change a shock. Is this the same on front and rear?

I have been buying shocks and tires from Les Schwab since I bought my truck back in 1986. They offered a lifetime warranty on shocks. So everytime I buy a set of tires I also get free shocks all around. They swap out the tires and shocks for me in record time. You couldn't possibly do it in the same amount of time yourself, even with a special tool. I have to say that Schwab is the place to go for shocks and tires if they do business in your area.

 

A special tool isn't needed to do the rear shocks, I already installed new shocks in the rear. As I recall, it was just a PITA getting the rear shocks positioned to go in properly. Here's the video I did installing the rear shocks, it's an oldie.


Here's a lousy pic.



I read that you can take the shocks out without lifting the truck, but MAW get more room.