Rear shock bushing issue

[AceOfSprings]

So I was trying to install the bushings in my new bds5500 shocks. All I have are simple hand tools, so I put the screw through it and tried to ratchet the bushing into place. Got the bushing in, now I was able to loosen the nut a little bit and then it got stuck. Not sure if I melted the nut to the screw with friction or what, but it just will not budge. So I am sitting with a shock and bushing with screw and nut on it...not connected to my vehicle. Any ideas on how to get it off?

I have sockets, screwdrivers, and wrenches, that is about it.

[chevycrew]

Sounds like the threads galled, might have to use bigger tools until it comes loose or breaks. Anti-seize will help prevent this from happening again, and PB blaster may help loosen it, but not likely.

[AceOfSprings]

Guess i will just have to find a cutter.

Sent from my mind

[Mudwheelin]

Cover up the bushings with something and heat the metal up a bit.

[v7guy]

I would imagine any kind of real heat will destroy those bushings.

I would be trying larger wrenches. Maybe a couple breaker bars. Put the socket on one side and stand on the ratchet/breaker bar. Then link a couple wrenches together/put a bar on a ratchet to extend its length or use another breaker bar to loosen the other side.

Could also try cutting the nut or splitting it with a large chisel... just don't smack the shock if you use a chisel.

[tbangert]

I'm not sure if autozone rents them, but a nut splitter would be perfect for that. It would eliminate the chance of //// up that bushing with heat.

[The Roadie]

Nut splitter or just hacksaw the bolt next to the nut. You never want to use a bolt in that condition over, especially one that has to absorb the energy of a down-travelling axle and tire when unweighted.

If I didn't have a vise handy, I've gotten bushings in by using silicone spray/grease as a lube, and just hammer it in using a socket as a backing.

[mikekey]

If I didn't have a vise handy, I've gotten bushings in by using silicone spray/grease as a lube, and just hammer it in using a socket as a backing.

Those BDS bushing's where a pain. I couldn't figure out what BDS didn't just pre-install them. But what The Roadie said is pretty much what we ended up doing. I put some white grease on there (tiny amount) and smacked them in with a rubber mallet. Took a few wacks, but eventually went in.

[Trail X]

Your picture isn't working David.

Have access to any impact tools?

[AceOfSprings]

no impact tools. I think I will just go get a hacksaw, grease, and a c-clamp. Hopefully that will do the trick. Have to wait for wife to get off work though as she has the only put-together car at the moment. Just going to replace springs for now I suppose. Will re-do the shocks tomorrow.

[AceOfSprings]

Bah, just one problem after another. Just had an Evercraft "3 ton" jack stand buckle. Luckily I was not under the car because it dropped to the ground. Looks like nothing broke besides stand, but anyway im just need a break. Thanks fot all the help and advice though.

Sent from my mind

[Trail X]

Wow David. Glad you weren't under the vehicle. Might want to contact the MFG, they will probably gladly replace it, since it was being used within standard operation conditions.

[navigator]

glad you're ok David.
I usually have a jackstand under the vehicle if I leave it on the jack.
When I set it on jackstands I always stick the wheels under the frame in case it falls for that reason.
Rims are cheap compared to body parts

[AceOfSprings]

Yea, think i need to rethink my setup. Dont have any interest in a replacement, i am definately go to a different mfg. I like the wheel idea, will start doing that.

Sent from my mind

[AceOfSprings]

Sent from my mind

[mikekey]

glad you're ok David.
I usually have a jackstand under the vehicle if I leave it on the jack.
When I set it on jackstands I always stick the wheels under the frame in case it falls for that reason.
Rims are cheap compared to body parts

Man glad you weren't under it.! I would contact the manufacturer. You'd be surprised, they might fully replace it or send you an upgrade.

I'm not the only paranoid one then, I stick my tires under the vehicle and usually leave my jack under there as well. My red neck method used to be a big ol' tree log. Being crushed by my car is not a way I want to exit this world. Especially since I think it probably wouldn't be a sudden of enough death.

[Trail X]

uploadfromtaptalk1343704757631.jpg

Sent from my mind

Were you by chance on a slope? Looks like the stand was maybe unevenly loaded?

[AceOfSprings]

no it was flat ground. I was wrenching pretty hard though so there was a bit of forward pressure, that is what did it in.

[v7guy]

Scary as shit man. I've always been paranoid about that and I always leave the jack under the vehicle. Apparently I have good reason to be worried. Really glad you're ok man

[AceOfSprings]

Okay, so I can finally get back to my lift now. Hacksaw made short work of my initial issue. I appreciate all the support here, being new to mechanical work is definately a learning experience.

Sent from my mind