'66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

[Rob A.]

I'm trying to remove the incorrect, upper retainer on my front shocks and replace it with the large, correct washer. There are two nuts on top of it. threaded shaft turns. I was able to hold it with a wrench until the nut was too close to the top to keep holding it. I can't figure out how I'm supposed to be able to remove this second nut if I can't hold the threaded shaft to do so for the last couple of turns. Any suggestions???

[Wayne M.]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

Rob -- I recently had a similar problem with a nut on my original '65 front shocks, which I wanted to remove for preservation. One side had the double nuts (the second tightened against the first to lock them on the shaft). No problem to loosen the first nut while holding the lower w/2nd wrench. The other front side had one nut, but appeared frozen on the shaft. Was able to loosen by turning to tighten at first; lots of Liquid Wrench, then I could back it off (all while holding the shaft tip with a 1/4" gap on an adjustable wrench. When the nut got to the top, and I could no longer hold with 1/4" shaft tip, I removed front wheel, jacked up the A-arm sufficently to be able to jam a bar in there, against the upper shock shaft, just below the upper bushing. With one hand fulcruming (?) against the frame and the shaft, obtained sufficient force to stop shaft rotation for the final turns of the nut removal.

Hope this helps.

[Rob A.]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

Wayne,

I was able to hold the threaded shaft under the nut with a small vice grips and remove the second nut. Sounds like I was fortunate compared to what you went through. I thought those things only happened to me. I don't know why the second nuts were so difficult, they werent the "self locking" type, and the shocks were recently installed. Anyway, thanks for the reply and all the info.

[Brian M.]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

There is a socked available that holds the shock shaft at the top made just for this purpose. Snap On, Sears or any tool maker has them.

[Rob A.]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

Brian,

The tool, or socket would hold the shaft until you get to the point where it is in the way to completely remove the nut, the last 1/4" or so, but it sounds like a good thing to have for installing the nut.

[kenrobb]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

Here are 2 pictures of a K-B tool I bought many years ago. #465 stamped on it. Has swivel end that is internally threaded. Other end has 3 slots to fit over end of rod.

[kenrobb]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

found this tool

http://www.northernautoparts.com/ProductModelDetail.cfm?ProductModelId=2067

[Rob A.]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

Thanks for the info and the pics. Under normal circumstances, the tool should not be required, is that correct?

[Ken Robb]

Re: '66 FRONT SHOCK UPPER NUT REMOVAL

Just makes it easier to work on the shock. I can remember using the tool on my 56 Chev back when. If shock threads are a bit corroded, then tool is a life saver as I remember. NAPA has one also for a bit more $.