93 yota pickup, 4x4, 2.4l stock all around. went to replace the factory shocks and I can't get the bottom of the pass. side loose. I got the nut and lock washer off, but the bolt and the metal sleeve inside the bushing seem to have become fused together. I first tried:homer: to pound the bolt back with the nut still on it(smart enough to protect threads, but not smart enough to think this through....) That only crushed the whole mounting bracket back. I bent it back to "factory" setting, and I know this is now weaker, but I want to get this shock off first. How can I go about getting this apart? I tried a cold chisel and a hammer. No good. I even tried "trying harder":laughing: I have no air tools, torch, welder, or any real know-how. I bolted it all back together for monday, but I would really like to not have to get the whole mount removed and a new one welded on. Should I just sawzall the bolt in half and buy a new grade 8 bolt to replace it? Thanks for any help you could toss my way.

PB Blaster........do you have a propane torch...it'll take a while but it is heat.

PB Blaster........do you have a propane torch...it'll take a while but it is heat.

I've been pb blasting it like it's going out of style... I got no torch, but thinking I'm gonna be needing one...

Buy or rent a sawzall. Cut the bolt on both sides of the shock. This will get the shock and sleeve out of the way. The two little pieces of bolt should be a lot easier to get out then. I would not replace the bracket unless you see that its torn, or if it tears off in the future.

^^^ Don't rent a Sawz-All....buy one.....you'll use it more often than you'd think.....LOL. Kidding aside...seriously, it is a very versatile tool.

drive around with the nut off ...... you'll know when to quit :)

bend the brackets back out and give it a yank or pry.

The metal sleeve is stuck to the bolt. Happens all the time. I remove about 4 rear axles out of cars every year where the trailing arms are the same way. You go about beating on the shock and the rubber bushing takes all the impact. You have to beat on the sleeve to loosen it, then it will come off. Air tools which I know you said you don't have work well in this situation. Or if you can get your hands on a small pickle fork and drive that sucker in between it will usually pop them loose. Or cut away all that you can to get to the sleeve. MY .02 and try harder:flipoff2:

later
jenks

I got a sawzall. I'm just leary about cutting metal on my DD, as I can't weld:homer:. Metal ain't as forgiving as wood... I tried hammering it, but the bracket just smushed back. The bolt will turn, but the rubber bushing is rotted away and just spins. I'll try the cutting of the bolt on both sides. Trying harder is what I do... "I'm pretty much the best at it"...:laughing:

Got it. Had to sawzsall the bolt in 3 pieces, but I got it. At least now my truck don't do the Humpy-dance down the street anymore. Looked like I had it pimped out...:mad3: front end bouncing for about a 1/4 mile...:shaking:
Thanks for the tips.