front upper shock bolt doesn't wanna come out

[1966]

I must be an idiot b/c I cannot get out the front upper shock bolt. I've got the nut & lock washer off the back (inside the frame), I can spin the bolt around and around with a wrench on the other end, but the sucker will not come out of the frame. I've been whacking it with a mallet on the inner-frame side trying to push it out of the hole but it's not moving (only have about 3" of backswing to hit it due to headers). Is there some mysterious component I'm overlooking?

[cortcomp]

Try to get a screw driver under the head between the head and that bracket, and twist the screwdriver so that it's pushing against the head as you try to back it out with an impact. The threads should then catch on whatever is tight in the hole and it should screw out quite a bit. Don't push in on the impact, you want it to thread out.

[1966]

Thanks for the help, will give it a go.

Already dreading the passenger side due to minimal space between headers and frame...

For passenger side is it possible to break loose the bolt using an impact on the bolt-head side? Or is it nut-side only?

[forestb]

This might or might not help but try lifting the lower control arm up a little with a jack. There might be to much force on the shock from the coil.

[1963c-10]

forestb beat me to it....was about to see if its still attached at the lower control arm. If its spinning it should come out for you.

[1963chevyc20]

if it does not. get a grinder and a cut off wheel and cut that bolt to size. then purchase a new one

[Tx Firefighter]

The bolt is rusted to the inner steel sleeve of the shock bushing. If you'll look closely while turning the bolt, you'll see the sleeve turning inside of the rubber in the shock eye. Quickest way is to cut it off and use a new bolt.

[1963chevyc20]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

The bolt is rusted to the inner steel sleeve of the shock bushing. If you'll look closely while turning the bolt, you'll see the sleeve turning inside of the rubber in the shock eye. Quickest way is to cut it off and use a new bolt.

dude? i said that just messing with ya!

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by 1963chevyc20

dude? i said that just messing with ya!

I hear you. Only reason I said anything was to reinforce what you said. There was some mention about coil springs and control arms which don't really apply per se since the guy is working on a 4x4. I figured backing your suggestion up would strengthen it and help lend it more weight.

[1963chevyc20]

i get it! you made it sound more professional so it worked!

[Tx Firefighter]

Me, professional ?

[1963chevyc20]

i know what you mean!!!

[1963chevyc20]

whoops? upside down :NO:

[1963chevyc20]

you got a link for your truck? here is mine http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=628888

[1963chevyc20]

never mind i see it now!

[Woogeroo]

1966 - yer not an idiot, I had the same issue when I replaced my shocks.

They get rusted, as already mentioned.

As I recall, my front shocks, came with new upper mount hardware bolts, probably for this very reason. Tho', I managed to get 'em out somehow.

On my rear shocks, which I replaced at the same time... I broke 3 out of the 4 bolts just trying to get them off.

old trucks are fun!

-W

[1966]

They were no match for the neighbors' angle grinder. It was so satisfying to CUT OUT old parts haha. Thanks for the help guys!