1988 2WD - Rear shock replacement

[scoob8000]

Gonna try to tackle the rear shocks this weekend.

Is the upper shock bolt part of that bracket? I don't see how you could possibly replace it because the frame is in the way.

The nut and exposed end of the bolt is nothing but a blob of rust! :/

 

[pillen140]

it just unbolts. not part of the bracket.

 

[scoob8000]

it just unbolts. not part of the bracket.

Okay. Wanted to check, the side of the bolt inside the bracket felt round like a carriage bolt head or something of the sort.

Thanks

 

[Psychopete]

Okay. Wanted to check, the side of the bolt inside the bracket felt round like a carriage bolt head or something of the sort.

Thanks

On my '88, it was actually a nut that needed loosened. The top of the shock slid on to the bolt, which is part of the bracket as stated above. Spray the fastners with rust penetrating oil before hand, a couple of times. More than likely if it's THAT rusty, the bottom bolt will be seized in the actual shock. I ended up carefully cutting the bolt out on mine w/ an angle grinder with a thin disc after persuasion with a sledge hammer prooved useless against it.

Pete

 

[Insanejughead]

In my ranger, the top shock bolt is just a rivet thats threaded for a nut on the other end. Only thing required is to spin off the 18mm (or is it 15mm) nut and slide the shock off.

Shouldn't be too hard... at least you'll have plenty of room to get to them if you take your bed off.

Oh, and DAMN sure clean up your nuts and bolts before you put them back in. A little grease or something for the future too.

 

[scoob8000]

Gotcha! On mine, the nut and threaded part are one indistinguishable blob of rust.

The bottoms are actually in much better shape. I figure I'm taking the bed off to fix that gas gauge sender and do some rust proofing, nows the time to tackle this too.

One day I'll post some pics of this pig.