Kwagner115

Looking for a little help with the removal and installation of a RIGHT Front Shock on my 2001 Chevy Express 1500. I've removed the wheel, removed the plastic wheel well / engine cover. I am unable to get any useful tools onto the top of the shock to remove the bolt as there is so little room to work with. The shock spins when I am able to get a small hand wrench on the bolt. But with so little space to work with, I am not able at the same time to secure the top square end of the shock itself so it doesn't turn while removing the nut.

There must be a trick to this install and I'm hopeful someone here has already discovered it!

Thanks in advance!!!

Twscarp

Use a ViseGrip locking pliers to hold the top, apply to squared section not the threads. Here's a video, not a Express, but similar.

Kwagner115

Appreciate the feedback. However, it is my experience these past few days that there is not enough room to get your 2 hands, a set of vice grips and a open/closed end wrench into that small cavity, and then make the motions necessary to hold either the top of the shock in place and currently loosen the shock bolt, or vice versa.

I was hopeful someone had a suggestion on how to deal with this specific situation on this specific make and model.

canucklehead

Use a ratchet box wrench. Make sure you wire brush the threads from the nut up.....then use a nice sharp set of vice grips. Not some old pair. Lets the penetrating oil do its job over night....

Twscarp

Hello again, I have a 2008 Express 1500, last summer I replaced the shocks. Here is a picture of mine, click on it to change to vertical view, I think. Pretty sure the suspensions are the same. Is your situation different? Just checked the view does not change to verical, sorry. OK it will change if you click on the URL.
https://chevroletforum.com/forum/att...1&d=1489674021

Kwagner115

on mine (original shocks) i cant even see the nut on to of the shock. it sits down below the control arm and is extremely hard to get to.

Twscarp

So what you have is not like this? Click on URL below to rotate the picture. Can you take a picture, maybe we could help with that?
https://chevroletforum.com/forum/att...1&d=1489683118

Kwagner115

Truck is back in service. Will need to pull the wheel and post a picture when I get a chance.