Removing front shocks

[Zed]

Hi guys, just after some tips or tricks.

 

I need to remove my shocks to install my KYB AGX but cant remove the front stabilisr link. Has anyone done this before that can offer any insight into some special trick to doing this.

 

I've attached a pic from the toyota manual that shows the step I'm trying to do.

 

I've tried putting a 5mm hex key into the bolt and holding the nut with a 14mm spanner but can't really apply sufficient leverage with an allen key.

 

Cheers for any help.

[richardharmon]

Hmm, yes, I had the same problem recently. I found that the nuts were so tight that even with a hex key on the end of a socket-set it just chewed the flats off the inside of the bolt (where you put the hex key in). I ended up removing the stabiliser bar from the chassis (4 bolts) that seemed to give me enough play to drop the lower arm.

 

I found it very difficult to get the shock out from between the upper wishbone, anyone gat any tips on that?

[Timwildman]

I dont remember taking them off when i rpelaced my shocks. do you really need to take that part off?

[absz]

you don't have to take the link off, but you will require a long lever to push the lower wishbone down to clear the shock, the link rod is attached to the lower wishbone it just helps pushing the wishbone further down if its removed.

[Chris Wilson]

They are Loctited, heat them up with a rose bud tip on a welding torch to kill thr loctite and they'll come undone easily. If not you'll round out the ASllen female hex and the links buggered.

[Zed]

Cheers for the replies everyone, much appreciated.

[absz]

Cheers for the replies everyone, much appreciated.

 

well is it done yet

[JohnA]

They are Loctited, heat them up with a rose bud tip on a welding torch to kill thr loctite and they'll come undone easily..

Looks like mr "T" had free supplies of Loctite palletes.

They've used the stuff liberally all over the place

[Zed]

Hi, sorry I didn't provide feedback.

 

Yes the job is complete and I did'nt need to undo the anti-roll bar link.

I just removed the long bolt from the wishbone and after undoing the bolts for the shock I just used a sturdy piece of timber to pull the suspension down and allow clearance at the bottom of the shock for it to be removed.

 

I already had the wheels and brakes off and within 3 hours had the new shocks on, this included compressing the springs on my existing shocks and transferring the topmounts.

 

Thanks again for the help and suggestions.