Rear shock upper bolt tool?

Bonnewagon

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
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Sep 18, 2009
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I was struggling with those upper shock bolts that you need to get a wrench on. My 1980 Chevrolet FSM says the bolts go in from the bottom, and the nuts go on top. There is a funny picture in the FSM of a hand sticking up between the fender and tire holding the end of a wrench through the tiny opening to grab the nut. I find it easier to pass the bolt through the top and screw the nut on from the bottom. But you still need a wrench to get at the top and it is a pretty tight fit. Is there a tool for that? I was thinking of taking an old 1/2" distributor wrench and bending it to fit up there. That would make life easier and give better leverage too. How do you guys deal with this?
 

GP403

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I've always just used either a 3/8" drive socket/ratchet or a combo wrench with the bent end... never really had an issue.

maybe a ratchet/reg. wrench with an adjustable angle end?
 
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Built6spdMCSS

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Under the car with 18" or 24" extension on a ratchet (or air tool usually) on the bolt, small boxend wrench on the nut from the centerline of the car. Zip it up.

Basically in the middle of the car facing in to the perch to get it all done.
 
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GP403

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Under the car with 18" or 24" extension on a ratchet (or air tool usually) on the bolt, small boxend wrench on the nut. Zip it up.
err yeah, this for the bottom, too. (thought you meant that top one)
 
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Built6spdMCSS

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err yeah, this for the bottom, too. (thought you meant that top one)
Yup, wrench on the nut and 24" of reach on the socket on the bolt to get them both in. Maybe a swivel too but that much extension clears anything in your way and can get on the bolt straight.

Bottom one on the Axle is right infront of most of you all, I have rear disc and the caliper is close.
 
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Built6spdMCSS

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Jun 15, 2012
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There is a funny picture in the FSM of a hand sticking up between the fender and tire holding the end of a wrench through the tiny opening to grab the nut. I find it easier to pass the bolt through the top..
That spot where you would finger it through, you put the little wrench on the nut and hold it from there. Small gap but you can work with it.

I said what I said.
 
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mikester

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Mar 10, 2010
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Yeah, its a pain in the butt but I just use a long box wrench at the top. Even more of a pain because I use prevailing torque lock nuts on everything suspension related. A bit harder to use over nylocks.
 
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Bonnewagon

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Well, I went ahead and made the tool. I had a long handled 1/2" closed end distributor wrench that fit nothing I own. Pontiacs use 9/16". I can get way up there and just grab the bolt head from below, then tighten the nut with a long 1/2" socket on an extension from below. I'm still adjusting for the best angle but grabbing the head of the bolt is EZPZ now. I also make sure to only use stainless steel nuts and bolts on stuff like this with lots of anti-seize. I should have done this long ago!! IMG_0608.JPG
 
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Local Hero

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If the bolts are rusty, I cut them off with the fire wrench. Then I drop the bolts in through the top and mount the bottom of the shock before cutting the shipping retaining strap that keep the shock compressed in the box. Cut the strap and guide it up into the bolts. Zip the nuts on with a longer extension on a ratchet. If I'm in a hurry, I use the air ratchet.
 
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