Bilstein install help

[daveray9]

Hey Guys,

Trying to compress my OEM strut and remove the shock bolt, but it is rusted and literally stripping appart.
Anyone else have this issue, and what did you end up doing ??
Literally everything on this truck is a bunch of rust at this point and its only a 2012 with 80k miles.

 

[shadowhawk]

liquid wrench on EVERYTHING. a little heat might help also. I hope you are using six-sided sockets, not 12s. 12s just round bolts for you.

 

[daveray9]

liquid wrench on EVERYTHING. a little heat might help also. I hope you are using six-sided sockets, not 12s. 12s just round bolts for you.

I have a 6 side with a pass through wrench, but it so rusted there is nothing to grab on to, that was before I even started. Soaked it with liquid wrench for a few nights first.

 

[WilliamS]

Are you talking about the top nut to remove the cap and spring. If your compressor has done its job and there is room, cut that SOB off! Make sure that spring compressor is good though, if not you have a missile ready to fire.

 

[daveray9]

Are you talking about the top nut to remove the cap and spring. If your compressor has done its job and there is room, cut that SOB off! Make sure that spring compressor is good though, if not you have a missile ready to fire.

Yes, talking about that bolt.
Rented a compressor from Autozone... haha not sure how strong it is.

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[WilliamS]

Yes, talking about that bolt.
Rented a compressor from Autozone... haha not sure how strong it is.

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If you can move the spring up and down on the strut you have enough compression. Get a cut off wheel and get to throwing sparks.

 

[daveray9]

If you can move the spring up and down on the strut you have enough compression. Get a cut off wheel and get to throwing sparks.

Nice, got a grinder already. Good tip!

 

[WilliamS]

Nice, got a grinder already. Good tip!

Wait, does the bilstien have a new nut? If not you might need to head to the hardware store and get one. Grade 10.2 or higher

 

[shadowhawk]

if you have access to another vehicle, you could also find a place that would do the disassembly/reassembly for you for a nominal fee. If the inner shaft spinning and that's why you can't break that nut free?

 

[Scottly]

Fire pliers.

 

[daveray9]

if you have access to another vehicle, you could also find a place that would do the disassembly/reassembly for you for a nominal fee. If the inner shaft spinning and that's why you can't break that nut free?

Not its not spinning, everytime I try and grip the bolt with a socket it just keeps breaking apart more and more. I can actually just run my finger around the edge of it and it starts stripping.

 

[shadowhawk]

pictures are great in times like these

 

[daveray9]

pictures are great in times like these

Will snap some tonight.
Thanks for the feedback regardless.
I didn't even think of using the grinder, I can get that puppy off in no time if I have the clearance.

 

[1985 W350]

"Blue" wrench (Oxy/A), CRC FreezeOff "chill" (or a fire extinguisher, other "chill" means), wash, rinse repeat --- goal is to get the metallurgy acting behaving like a rubber band on the temperature front.......

Use SIX POINT tools only too........

if that doesn't work go for the soaking with ATF/Acetone (lay rags over it to keep the Acetone evaporation down)......................

Last resort is to MIG on that stripped down nut (if possible)........I typically move up the size scale and MIG the bigger nut "around" the old one..........cleanliness is critical here with that process (MIG)..........alternatively you can stick (6010 rods) that nut to it --- those rods don't mind rust, dirt, etc...........

 

[mike19950]

When I did mine I eventually had to hammer on a size smaller socket and grip the shaft of the old strut with vice grips and let the impact loose on it. Was a little frustrating but they gave up.

 

[daveray9]

When I did mine I eventually had to hammer on a size smaller socket and grip the shaft of the old strut with vice grips and let the impact loose on it. Was a little frustrating but they gave up.

how did you get the nut out of the socket once it came off... or was that just a throw away at that point lol

 

[mike19950]

how did you get the nut out of the socket once it came off... or was that just a throw away at that point lol

I used a punch or screwdriver to hammer it back out the other way.

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