inexpensive shocks

[soybean]

Originally Posted by namba209 Jarrell, IIRC almost all shocks I've seen have a square machined at the tip of the piston rod so you can hold the rod with a small pair if vice grips and tightened the nut to the point the rubber spacers just start to compress. At least that's how it was on the rear ones on Willit? Simple one person task.

That's what mine were, ( square machined) but the clearance was so tight that I had a really hard time in tightening the nut down. I ended up doing what you said, and had my son holding the top of the shock cap with a pair of visegrips too.
It might have just been my particular shocks. I've never encountered that problem with other shocks on other vehicles I've changed shocks on.

I wish I had known about the tool Harold pictured, it probably would have helped me out starting many years ago. OK Harold, what's the part nos and where do you get it? Another tool to buy.
Jarrell

[namba209]

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr How about using a special socket made just for this task? Harold

Now I've seen everything. Musta been designed by a shock manufacturer. Never had the need to use one though.

[nobody]

Sounds like a math problem. An 8 sided socket will only fit an 8 sided bolt head. A 16 point socket will fit 16 point, 8 or even 4, any even division. Jarrell you might want to look in your tool box for that special tool you need.

[soybean]

Quite true. I will check it out with the Konis I have upstairs. Must be getting addled in my old age. Jarrell

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by soybean I wish I had known about the tool Harold pictured, it probably would have helped me out starting many years ago. OK Harold, what's the part nos and where do you get it? Another tool to buy. Jarrell

Snap-on Tools

The odd thing is that since you're turning the stud/bolt and holding the nut everything is reversed ie. what was once tightening is now loosening and vice versa.

I'm sure other tool companies probably make a version of this socket. For those that "think" the top of the stud is square you might want to look a little closer. I bought my socket many years ago and it has more than paid for itself in ease of shock installations.

Harold

[nobody]

I first found this to be true some 30 years ago adjusting a clutch stud. I have 2 sets of flywheel bolts that are 16 point and original parts that without 16 point sockets they would still be in the cranks. Believe me if I don't already own the tool I'm first to find it or make it. I have a T wrench that fits both the the clutch stud and shock tower ends. Honestly a cheaper set of shocks thread and a high dollar tool most people already have are kinda contradictory.

Ok skip the socket and do a speed wrench on the unsquare end and call it good.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by nobody An 8 sided socket will only fit an 8 sided bolt head. A 16 point socket will fit 16 point, 8 or even 4, any even division.

I think you mean a 6 point socket fits a standard hex head nut or bolt only and a 12 point socket fits either a hex or square head nut or bolt. I've found that 12 point sockets tend to round off the corners on square fittings.

JM2CW,
Harold

[nobody]

Harold your right about the 12 point....definate brain fart. A bit off topic but the only ones that tried to ever strip on me were 12 point flywheel bolts with the small head on them.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by nobody Harold your right about the 12 point....definate brain fart. A bit off topic but the only ones that tried to ever strip on me were 12 point flywheel bolts with the small head on them.

With new stuff it probably won't strip but try old farm stuff that is older than you are and been subjected to fertilizer and the elements. Sometimes a "hot" wrench is your only option. You're right about being off topic, we've "bird walked" enough! Jarrell will probably delete both of us.

Harold

[jvandyke]

Being the ADD Opeler that I am, thinking of shocks.
There's a clunk in the front and the ride is terrible.
Leaning toward the KYB GR2 that is commonly used but came across these while searching.
Are they junk? (Napa branded, Napa Response RR 94011)

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by jvandyke There's a clunk in the front and the ride is terrible.

I'd look at more than just the shocks. How much pressure are you running in those low profile tires?

Harold

[jvandyke]

I did recently pump them up to spec. 32ish as I recall. Trying to keep the MPG at a reasonable level!
Not that I've forgotten about those slot mags of yours either! Great rational for the wife, "but honey, you'll enjoy the car more with a smoother ride, it's all about you dear."

No, she won't buy it.