[00ardnut]

Drivers side came off pretty easy (not really, but that side is done, so I continue...). Now, the passenger side is driving me crazy. The flat above the nut cracked off in the jaws of my vise grips, so I'm back to scratching my head. Anyone have thoughts on how to next approach this? Here's what I'm thinking:

Cut off using Sawzall w/ long a$$ blade
Grind shock shaft to put grooves in it so vise grips will grab it good
Blow it off with a torch (my least favorable method - too much can go wrong)

Any input is appreciated. thanks,

 

[kovawa]

I've replaced shocks on these trucks dozens of times. Here's the method that I use. First - cut back the plastic dust shield on the shock to expose the shaft. Next- clamp a vise grip to the shaft. Place a box end wrench on the top nut and then rotate the vise grip to loosen the the nut. If your lucky - the boxed end wrench will jam in place and you can simply rotate the shock until the top nut comes off.

That's the easiest and fastest way I've found to tackle that job.

Good luck.

 

[tundra05_trd]

I ended up grinding a flat spot in the shaft as you said because the vice grips wouldnt grip it. I used a ratchet wrench on the top nut. Its definatley a pain!