I had intended to replace the front shocks on my '88 GT and ran into a slight problem. First I sprayed PB Blaster on the nut on the top of the shock and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then I tried to remove the nut and it would not budge. The problem I ran into is that when I turn the nut, the shock rod turns right along with the nut. Thus, I cannot back the nut off the rod. I tried to use a wrench as well as a set of vice grips on the top of the rod to try and hold the rod in place, all to no avail. Any ideas on how to get the nut off so I can replace the shock? Thanks.
I just cut them off too if you cant get vice grips on the shaft. If you cant hold the top, try jacking it up and grabbing it between the coils with them.
Well, here is the rest of the story. After reading your suggestions and spending many hours of research on the internet, I found some interesting things about front shock removal. It seems that removing the nut at the top of the shock generally results in the shock rod turning along with the nut. Thus, one cannot get the nut off. So, that is where the vice grips, pliers, heat, PB Blaster, etc. come in. What usually results it that the vice grips/pliers wind up stripping or rounding out the top of the rod. So cutting is about the only option. All of this effort results in lots of work and frustration. But, I found an easier way. I found a special little tool that is made specifically to assist in the removal of the old shock and installation of the new shock with no hassle. It is a wonder.
The tool is a "Hollow Hex Socket. I found them for sale on Amazon and at O'Rieilly Auto Parts. The tool I purchased is called, "Shock Absorber Tool", made by Lisle, item # 20400, price about $13. The kit includes a socket and two hex keys. The key(s) fits on the top of the shock rod over the rectangular or hex shaped end of the rod (use the key before stripping/rounding out the top of the rod). The key will hold the rod in place when held securely with a wrench. The socket goes over the hex key and engages the nut to remove it. I tried it and it works great. I had the second shock removed and the new one installed in about 15 minutes (that is after soaking the nut with PB Blaster for about 30 minutes).
Unfortunately, I did not know about this tool when I was trying to remove the first shock. I wound up stripping/rounding out the top of the rod and the only option I had left was to cut it out. However, the tool came in handy when installing the new shock. It worked perfectly. I hope this info helps the next person contemplating replacing shocks.
