Removing Rear shocks (This has to be the "Thread of the Month")

[Dagwoods]

Ok guys,

Basic question: How do I remove rear koni shocks on a 3-link set-up?

Background: I am setting ride height and for some reason, my driver side rear shock collar wont loosen with either a spanner or a punch and hammer. To try and figure out what is going on, I figured I would remove the shock. I loosened the top and bottom mount bolt with a jack under the rear perch but now it is all jammed up. If I jack it up more, the whole axle moves, the car just tilts and does not compress just the side I want. I asssssssume it is because I still have the panhard bar attached and that I should undo it. Is this the only thing I should remove to give me enough compression on driver side rear to remove the shock? I don't think I would have to undo the lower control arms, etc.

Thanks just wanted to check before I go crazy and undo all of my rear drive train.

[Murd]

I’m confused by you saying compress. You should have the frame on stands and the axle hanging. It should fall right down when you remove the shock bolts.

[Dagwoods]

Facepalm......yeah. I had the jackstands under the axle. Stupid beer.

[Packer fan]

stupid beer.

lol

[Murd]

Doh!
Glad you sorted that out.
Also those spring perches don’t like turning with weight on them either. Get the suspension hanging and it should turn much easier. Hope that solves it for you

[CraigS]

I put the stands under the frame and use the jack under the axle (with a small piece of plywood under two of the wheel studs or edge of rotor) to adjust axle height making it easier to get the bolt in. On reinstall, I hang the coil over on the top mount first, lay on the floor and adjust the jack slowly w/ my foot to get the height just right so the bolt and spacers can be installed.

[FF6602]

....lay on the floor and adjust the jack slowly w/ my foot to get the height just right so the bolt and spacers can be installed.

I do the same thing and, when my replacement knee clicks like a torque wrench, I know I have it just right! ;)

[initiator]

I do the same thing and, when my replacement knee clicks like a torque wrench, I know I have it just right! ;)

Two LOLs in this thread, keep it going!

[Ray]

I edited the title. This should be considered the "Thread of the Month"!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ray

[Sdonnel]

The crazy thing about using your replacement knee as a torque wrench is that we are all sitting in front of our computers imagining you doing it. As for me, I'm impressed at the ingenuity, but the engineer in me wants to know if you had it calibrated lately?? Don't over do it and mess anything up. I haven't laughed like this in a while. I'm making popcorn for the follow on responses.

Scott