Replacing the rear shocks on the wagon - question!

[patrick66]

OK, gang, it's time to replace the rear shocks on the '86 Country Squire.

How on Earth do I access the rear upper shock mounting bolts???

[GM_Guy]

Jack up the rear end, support frame so you can lift & lower the rear end as needed. Get a vise grip and clamp it to the shock shaft as close to the underside of the mount as possible (then let it spin around and hit the frame to hold the shock shaft once you get to wrenching) stick your arm & wrench up into the gap between the body and frame and unbolt it.

If you jack up the rear and let the axle droop, and you can see the top of the shock stud through the wheel well housing, you can make yourself a shock wrench. Get a cheap 9/16" gear wrench, cut it in half, piece of pipe for a handle, a method to attach the two (so it can swing) and go at it from the wheel well. You'll still need to put the vise grips on the shaft down below. If you are not keen on that idea, you can spend 80 bucks for a snap-on version.

Alex.

[slack]

I've done it by jacking up by the frame to let the rear end droop. I put a 14mm wrench on the top nut and spun the shock to unscrew it. (removing the bottom bolts first of course).

I've also used a drimmel with a cutoff wheel and a flex shaft to cut the damn thing out. That was the easiest when I did it the first time when they were seized.

Pic of the fun in question if anyone hasn't seen it:


Also, if you end up doing the front, the way I did it was put a vice grip on the shock shaft where it will get stuck when spinning the nut. Then use a socket wrench on the top nut and a breaker bar and just snap the top off. Works like a charm.

Link to rear shocks with pics: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...l=1#post738659
Link to front shocks with pics: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...l=1#post720265

[patrick66]

I think I'll just cut a couple of holes in the floor with a hole saw and get to the nut that way. I'm not a contortionist!

[BuffaloRider]

oh no... I don't know about that man.

[knucklehead0202]

Well I guess I got spoiled having a California car. The ratcheting box-end wrench really made all the difference. You can see it from the fender but only reach it from underneath, so it's mostly a "by feel" operation. Hose the crap down with PB blaster or Kroil if you can get some.

[pantera77]

I personally wouldn't drill holes.

[BlackVic_P71]

I got lucky and one shock disconnected itself from the upper mount, I used a ratcheting wrench on the other side with no issue.

[porschpow]

a lot of PB blaster, A LOT!

[GM_Guy]

DO NOT DRILL HOLES IN YOUR FLOOR PAN. There is no need, it is accessable from underneath. May not have as much room as you want, but there is room.

Alex.