The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Shock absorber removal trouble

I want to replace the shocks on my 1951 Chevy 3604. These shocks have to be older than me (33). I started on the rear and after getting the nut off the bottom, I can't remove the bolt that runs through it. I posted a couple of pictures on my webshots (pg. 10). I thought the bolt was supposed to slide out, but it doesn't budge. I used a large screw driver and pried upwards on the shock (which moves rather freely because there are barely any bushing left) and still nothing. The bolt does turn freely in both directions. What am I doing wrong or do I need to use some brute force? :confused:

you need a BFH

Wada,

I'm in agreement with Brian...a BOBFH! I think the rubber bushing might have had a metal ferrule inserted into it and it and this is rusted to the bolt. Its diameter is greater than the hole size, hence the 'no go'.

Take a big hammer, and when the bolt is looking the other way, blast it. It's possible that you won't get it out and will have to resort to some type of saw or wheel to cut both ends of the bolt.

Stuart

Thanks for the advise guys. I appreciate it. Jeff

Just changed my original black Delco Products shocks this summer (1950, 3604) and they're correct, the bolt is simply rusted to the bushing. An absolute must for removing shocks in my book is an impact wrench. After a good soaking overnight hit them with the impact turned up all the way. This is sometimes the only way to get the upper nuts off. For the upper rears I drill an access hole with an 1 1/2” hole saw and put a flush plug in it afterwards.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I soaked mine for a couple days before removal with liquid wrench on the bottom. I used a long taper punch to drive the bolt out when I had the nut off. As the other posts have stated it all falls apart as you dissasemble it. on the top I just cut the nut off with a grinder since my bed is off for restoration it sure makes this job a lot easier.

i used alot of heat to get my shocks off. dont melt the threads you run the risk of melting stuff together just get the shock almost red hot the drive the bolt out. course i like useing heat to take things apart might be a bad idea

I just did mine on my 64. soaked them down with PB Blaster the day before, made it easier.

Heat & cutting torch work good but the lower part of the shock is filled with oil. They can & will explode.

Thanks again guys for all of the advise. I hope I can get them off this weekend. Jeff

Be VERY careful if you use heat. I used to work with a guy who had one explode on him, and the result ain't pretty.

I won't be using heat. "Danger" is NOT my middle name, except when I've got her out on the road! Jeff