bimmerjeeper
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- USA
After a winter of solid service by my XJ, I decided to finally attempt the front shocks job now that the weather is nice again. Since internet forum braggarts estimate for this job clock in at 20 mins, I got up at 5:30am, and set aside 14 full hours to do this job, and I have all of tomorrow set aside also, just in case.
The top stock bolt is pretty rusty, and it's safe to assume these are the original shocks. So, like almost every other DIY on this XJ, I could not get past the very first step. When I attempt to turn the 15mm bolt, the top sleeve of the shock just turns. I tried to hold the shock in place with my other hand, but this proved to be very awkward.
How do I remove this top bolt? Yes, I have been PB Blasting it for a week.
I read another post suggesting using "channel locks" to hold the top shock sleeve in place. I do not own a pair of channel locks, as I've never come across a situation that required them. Is this job possible without the use of this tool? If this tool is indeed required, how exactly do I use it to hold the shock in place? Do I hold it while turning the bolt? I just don't see getting the right leverage this way. Are the front shocks a 2 man job? Or do I wedge it against something?
Even if I can somehow immobilize the rotating sleeve, I have a serious feeling I am going to strip the top bolt. Is this common?
I do not have a professional grade garage or lift, and I do not have access to electricity, so pro tools like dremels & angle grinders and OXY torches are not an option.
I just have $1000 worth of simple hand tools that are supposedly enough to work on XJs (LOL!)
Also, are there any tips for the bottom bolts of the front shocks?
Do I just turn the bolt with a hand wrench (socket head won't fit),
or do I need to somehow need to secure the nut underneath, as well?
The top stock bolt is pretty rusty, and it's safe to assume these are the original shocks. So, like almost every other DIY on this XJ, I could not get past the very first step. When I attempt to turn the 15mm bolt, the top sleeve of the shock just turns. I tried to hold the shock in place with my other hand, but this proved to be very awkward.
How do I remove this top bolt? Yes, I have been PB Blasting it for a week.
I read another post suggesting using "channel locks" to hold the top shock sleeve in place. I do not own a pair of channel locks, as I've never come across a situation that required them. Is this job possible without the use of this tool? If this tool is indeed required, how exactly do I use it to hold the shock in place? Do I hold it while turning the bolt? I just don't see getting the right leverage this way. Are the front shocks a 2 man job? Or do I wedge it against something?
Even if I can somehow immobilize the rotating sleeve, I have a serious feeling I am going to strip the top bolt. Is this common?
I do not have a professional grade garage or lift, and I do not have access to electricity, so pro tools like dremels & angle grinders and OXY torches are not an option.
I just have $1000 worth of simple hand tools that are supposedly enough to work on XJs (LOL!)
Also, are there any tips for the bottom bolts of the front shocks?
Do I just turn the bolt with a hand wrench (socket head won't fit),
or do I need to somehow need to secure the nut underneath, as well?
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