Shock bolt seized/cut shock

Trying to replace struts with new quickstruts. Lower bolt is seized in bushing. Tried liquid wrench, beating with purse, socket with breaker bar, and heating with bernzomatic torch (best I got) and it will not budge. What’s gonna happen if I cut it where the arrow is pointing so I have more room to get a grinder in there and cut the bolt and bushing out without damaging anything else. Is this shock gonna spring open violently? TIA

 

Have you tried a sawzall with metal blade to cut the bolt? I've had good luck with those in the past.

 

The spring is captured between the perch and top plate. I'd target below the shock body where it attaches to the bushing eye so you don't get oil out of the shock itself.

I'd be inclined to get a C-Clamp style press (rented from an auto parts store) on that somehow before I resorted to cutting.

 

Try a rotor hammer on the end of it

 

Is the shock still under load? Have you disconnected the lower ball joint and loosened the lower control arm cam bolts? It isn't strictly necessary, but it makes it so much easier to not be fighting that load.

 

This ^^^

On jack stands at the frame, wheel off, ball joint disconnected from the spindle (4 bolts), slide the outer CV axle shaft out of the wheel bearing. You can then swing the entire spindle/hub assembly out of the way and have access for days.

I agree with Andy, cut the shock's metal strap abound the lower shock bushing.

 

Have you read through some of the threads here? Just a couple weeks ago was another one showing how to use the Toyota jack between the LCA and the upper part of the inner fender to push the LCA down a bit and relieve the pressure. That's what I do, and over the years, I've seen several posts here about that.

 

Easy to see in the picture the bolt is still under tension.

No way is that coming out till the pressure is released .

Then it will pop out with your hand.

 

He has a pry tool under the shock. It appears he has already tried lifting the shock upward to relieve tension.

OP, does the bolt rotate in place? You try hammering it out gently as you pry the shock upward?

 

Things have to be just correct lifting to much just puts more pressure on the bolt .

I have always used a jack to position things in the correct spot.

I have never had a problem living in the great brine belt . Every one pushed out with my fingers.

Then some experience I am sure Helps