1997 Front Shock Lower Mounting Bolts
06-21-2017, 05:22 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
1997 Front Shock Lower Mounting Bolts
1997 F150 2WD. I can turn the nuts on the front shock lower mounting bolts, but it looks like the entire bolt is turning. There does not seem to be any access to the bolt heads (short of compressing the springs). All the manuals and videos say, "Just remove these nuts." I cannot be the first person to run into this. Any tips? I can cut or break the bolts, but that still leaves me with the problem of getting to the bolt heads.
06-22-2017, 03:24 PM
#2
Member
Thread Starter
97 F150 RWD Front Shock Lower Mounting Bolts
Well, responding to my own question...
My theories are either: 1) an aftermarket lower control arm in which the detent that holds the bolt head is either missing or not sturdy enough to keep the bolt from turning; or 2) a replacement bolt with a head that is small enough to turn within the detent. Either way, there is only one way to find out. The coils need to be replaced anyway - I was just trying to procrastinate on that one.
Funny how these four-hour jobs end up consuming multiple days.
My theories are either: 1) an aftermarket lower control arm in which the detent that holds the bolt head is either missing or not sturdy enough to keep the bolt from turning; or 2) a replacement bolt with a head that is small enough to turn within the detent. Either way, there is only one way to find out. The coils need to be replaced anyway - I was just trying to procrastinate on that one.
Funny how these four-hour jobs end up consuming multiple days.