Broken Front Shock Lower Bolts
02-12-2013, 08:12 PM
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Broken Front Shock Lower Bolts
Well I just went through Hell to replace my damn front shocks. I thought I was in for a quick job, but it turned into several hours after I broke the bottom mounting bolts that hold the shock to the lower control arm. Thought I would just post what I did, because I couldn't find many specifics on this problem. Sorry No Pics.
If you break the bottom mounting bolts, here's a relatively easy fix.
1. Jack truck up as high as possible and support with Jack stands or just use a lift.
2. Cut off as much of the remaining bolt as possible. The top of the bolt I believe is either welded or attached with loc-tite to the lower control arm, inside the spring.
3. Get cobalt drill bits, I used a 1/4inch to start the hole, then used a 5/8 to drill out the old bolt, drill right through the top of the bolt if you need to. The bits are pricey, but eat through the metal like nothing.
4. Replace old bolt with 5/8 diameter x 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inch length grade 8 bolts and lock nut. You will need to hold the top of the bolt with something like needle nose vice grips to prevent it from spinning while you torque the nut (18 to 25 ft-lbs).
Thats it! Hope this helps someone out there.
If you break the bottom mounting bolts, here's a relatively easy fix.
1. Jack truck up as high as possible and support with Jack stands or just use a lift.
2. Cut off as much of the remaining bolt as possible. The top of the bolt I believe is either welded or attached with loc-tite to the lower control arm, inside the spring.
3. Get cobalt drill bits, I used a 1/4inch to start the hole, then used a 5/8 to drill out the old bolt, drill right through the top of the bolt if you need to. The bits are pricey, but eat through the metal like nothing.
4. Replace old bolt with 5/8 diameter x 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inch length grade 8 bolts and lock nut. You will need to hold the top of the bolt with something like needle nose vice grips to prevent it from spinning while you torque the nut (18 to 25 ft-lbs).
Thats it! Hope this helps someone out there.
Last edited by mikhailbasho; 02-12-2013 at 08:14 PM. Reason: mistyping
02-12-2013, 10:29 PM
#3
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Truck has 205k miles on it in upstate ny. The shocks were NEVER CHANGED!!! (I bought it used) 17 years of snow and salt and corrosion just did a number on it. Pretty impressive they even made it this far.
