shock install question

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-19-2011, 09:34 PM

I just finished installing my rear shocks/springs and I have a question. On ls1howto it never says how tight to tighten the top shock nut. How tight is good? I tightened it until it started clamping on the rubber piece, is that good enough?

**98maro** · 10-19-2011, 09:55 PM

i did this few weeks ago,, i did till the nut stop spinning..

ls1howto has a great writeup on that,, thanks to that i got it done.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-20-2011, 05:50 AM

Okay I guess I need to tighten it some more, although one side is already digging into the rubber.

**RedSuperSport** · 10-20-2011, 06:02 AM

Look for the torque specs, than you can't go wrong

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-20-2011, 10:28 AM

How do I torque it down with a torque wrench if the shaft keeps spinning? I was using vice grips to keep it from spinning but I was just using regular wrench not a socket style wrench.

**Danger731** · 10-20-2011, 12:27 PM

seriously ?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-20-2011, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Danger731:2711535

seriously ?

What was the point of that response? I am just trying to figure out how to torque it down to spec. But in order to torque them down to spec you need to use a torque wrench and mine is a socket style so I can't hold the shaft with vice grips and torque it down.

**2002ssslp** · 10-20-2011, 01:46 PM

Just tighten the nut until the rubber gromet starts to push out a little. Don't crush it but don't leave it loose. just squeeze it a little. There is no torque specs for shocks.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-20-2011, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by 2002ssslp:2711559

Just tighten the nut until the rubber gromet starts to push out a little. Don't crush it but don't leave it loose. just squeeze it a little. There is no torque specs for shocks.

Ok then I think I am good.

**Danger731** · 10-21-2011, 05:18 AM

After 500 miles take another look at it to make sure it was tightend enough then you will be "good to go".

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-25-2011, 03:47 PM

I have another question but with the front, I read through the guide on ls1howto and I am stuck on getting the ball joint on the spindle off. I don't have a pickle fork, anyone have a suggestion on something else to use and perhaps a better way to get it off?

**2002ssslp** · 10-25-2011, 04:35 PM

The correct way to break the ball joint lose is to use a pickle fork but you may be able to use a BFH on the BJ nut after you loosen it up. I would borrow one from a friend or Auto Zone or you can buy one from Sears or a parts store for about 12 dollars. Just be safe.

**2000dreambird** · 10-25-2011, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by 2002ssslp

The correct way to break the ball joint lose is to use a pickle fork but you may be able to use a BFH on the BJ nut after you loosen it up. I would borrow one from a friend or Auto Zone or you can buy one from Sears or a parts store for about 12 dollars. Just be safe.

I would just buy the BFH there is always a reason to have one......

**98TransAmWs-6** · 10-25-2011, 06:35 PM

Alright I guess I will buy a pickle fork tomorrow then. Sorry if I sound dumb with this question but I am asking because I am worried about breaking something. How am I suppose to wedge the pickle fork? I couldn't tell from the pictures on the guide on ls1howto.

**2002ssslp** · 10-26-2011, 05:32 AM

Pull the wheel, remove the brake rotor and leave the steering colum unlocked so you can move the spindle. Remember to use a jack to support the LCA and bang away.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 11-09-2011, 12:24 PM

I have another question my spring perch won't go on my new shocks, is there a trick to get it to slide down the shaft and onto the little ring? I pushed it on at the top and it's tight but it won't go any further. I tried tapping it with a hammer but it seems to fall off when I do that. Any suggestions would be great.

**twozs** · 12-26-2011, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Danger731

After 500 miles take another look at it to make sure it was tightend enough then you will be "good to go".

i know this is old but i just did shocks , struts , sway bar end links , tires ( Michelin pilots plus Z rated ) and a trans mount . i tightened it ( rear ) till it stoped turning with a vice grip on the top shaft . my KYB ... KYB Americas Corporation Shocks & Struts | Products | Gas-a-Just©.... rears came with 2 nuts for the top per side , as to "double nut" the top to prevent loosening ??? i also got the factory struts out without breaking the ball joint ??? . the top or the passenger side strut looked like it was submerged in the ocean . the nut was so rusted it had to be cut off with a wheel . obviously a spring compressor was in use . my car rides better than a new car !!! ive owned it since new (3 miles)