Can’t undo top shock nut

[Kdawg19]

Just a thought before I fetch the angry spiny machine , does anyone know an easy ish way to undo the top nuts on the rear shocks of a 90 ? It just keeps spinning and I can’t get a ratchet in there

 

[Towpack]

I had the same problem on my 80 and found it easier (bolts more accessible) to remove the mounting plates along with the shock.

 

[Kdawg19]

Thankyou I’ll give it a go

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

I had the same problem on my 80 and found it easier (bolts more accessible) to remove the mounting plates along with the shock.

It's not the same on the 90 TP, it doesn't have the mounting plate ( as I remember).
If its in a state, just wiggle it about until it fatigues and breaks.

 

[Kdawg19]

I got the right side one off ok , but the left seems to have less room to swing the spanner for lack of a better word , and I can’t stop it from spinning

 

[MikeJak]

If you get a flat spanner on the bolt you can rotate the shock. If not reusing the shock cutting the top bolt is the faster solution. They are not in a nice spot!!!

 

[Jon_Tallis]

Same problem with my old surf years back.....get the grinder out.....just make sure you cut the stubs short so you can wiggle the end bit out of the hole.....

 

[Kdawg19]

Yh I’ve got replacement shocks so I think that ole mr angle grinder is getting fed tomorrow

 

[Bert]

@Kdawg19
Some 90's have a small hole sealed with a rubber bung in the floor pan of the rear cargo area, located above the rear strut nut, to allow for easy access. Could be easier to see if you have that before getting too jiggy with it. I don't know if all 90's have them.

 

[Kdawg19]

Update … success

 

[Antipodes4WD]

Just a thought before I fetch the angry spiny machine , does anyone know an easy ish way to undo the top nuts on the rear shocks of a 90 ? It just keeps spinning and I can’t get a ratchet in there

Have the same problem with 100 series.
There is nicely-made video how to do that

BUT: there is no plate to unbolt in my landcruiser.
For all being in the same boat, below is how I finally solved the problem before any nuke option:

What did not work:
Sockets - the regular is too shallow. The impact Sidchrome is too tall to get there.
Sirchrome box-end wrench - too long to fit at a correct angle.
Sirchrome open end wrench - too short to exert enough force and the extender won't allow it to fit;
Monkey wrench to hold the shock from spinning - the shock's shell is too soft for a proper grip. Besides, it is problemmatic for a one man gang to operate both wrenches.
What worked:
Old as the world technique to hold large force of shock spinning with friction created by multiple turns of a rope.
Shorter box-end wrench with an extender.

See attached images.

 

[Shayne]

 

[MisterCruiser]

Have the same problem with 100 series.
There is nicely-made video how to do that

BUT: there is no plate to unbolt in my landcruiser.
For all being in the same boat, below is how I finally solved the problem before any nuke option:

What did not work:
Sockets - the regular is too shallow. The impact Sidchrome is too tall to get there.
Sirchrome box-end wrench - too long to fit at a correct angle.
Sirchrome open end wrench - too short to exert enough force and the extender won't allow it to fit;
Monkey wrench to hold the shock from spinning - the shock's shell is too soft for a proper grip. Besides, it is problemmatic for a one man gang to operate both wrenches.
What worked:
Old as the world technique to hold large force of shock spinning with friction created by multiple turns of a rope.
Shorter box-end wrench with an extender.

See attached images.

That rope trick looks hilarious! Fair play, I'd never have thought of doing that in such situation, I'd be straight to the big vice grips or reciprocating saw

 

[Antipodes4WD]

Have the same problem with 100 series.
There is nicely-made video how to do that

BUT: there is no plate to unbolt in my landcruiser.
For all being in the same boat, below is how I finally solved the problem before any nuke option:

What did not work:
Sockets - the regular is too shallow. The impact Sidchrome is too tall to get there.
Sirchrome box-end wrench - too long to fit at a correct angle.
Sirchrome open end wrench - too short to exert enough force and the extender won't allow it to fit;
Monkey wrench to hold the shock from spinning - the shock's shell is too soft for a proper grip. Besides, it is problemmatic for a one man gang to operate both wrenches.
What worked:
Old as the world technique to hold large force of shock spinning with friction created by multiple turns of a rope.
Shorter box-end wrench with an extender.

See attached images.

UPDATE:
Was trying to undo another shock with another rope and found it too stretchy to break the top nut on the shock. Used 2.5mm wire instead and that made all the difference. I am sure even 2mm wire would do.