[mitchellSWFl]

I ordered in new front and rear shocks for my 2001 Grand Cherokee with the Up-Country suspension. I changed the shocks on my last Grand Cherokee, a ZJ model. It was 10 years ago, so I don't recall exactly how I did it. I think I loosened the nut under the hood, after I locked the shock shaft in place with vise grips.
Last night I tried to hold the 1/4" hex end of the shock that is under the hood with vise grips and then tried to break the retainer nut loose with a 5/8" wrench. I couldn't get the nut for either front shock to come loose. The 5/8" seemed to slip,as if it was too big for the nut. A 9/16" was too small. A 15 metric was too small and a 17 was too big. I don't have a 16 metric.
The shock shaft is not exposed on the Up-Country shocks. Should I try and cut the shock outer cover off, so I can get a vise grip on the shaft.
I would appreciate any helpful tips. The Up-Country shocks are different then the standard WJ stocks.
Tom

[Jeeples]

Originally Posted by mitchellSWFl

The Up-Country shocks are different then the standard WJ stocks.

The primary differences are in length only, along with some of the internals, but I digress.


When I pulled the shocks off my GF's WJ, I ended up cutting the plastic sleeve in half and used a pair of vise grips to hold the rod in place while I used a deep socket and 3" extension to break the nut free.

[02WJOverland]

Originally Posted by Jeeples

The primary differences are in length only, along with some of the internals, but I digress.


When I pulled the shocks off my GF's WJ, I ended up cutting the plastic sleeve in half and used a pair of vise grips to hold the rod in place while I used a deep socket and 3" extension to break the nut free.

Did you have any trouble tightening the top nuts up when you installed the new shocks?

[WJChris]

for the top, you are supposed to put an allen key into the top and turn the nut with an open end.

that is the proper way to loosen the nut and not mar the shaft.

[02WJOverland]

The end of the shaft just had 2 flat spots on either side, nothing that that looked like an allen key would fit. My Haynes manual just suggests locking pilers and plenty of penetrating oil.

[WJChris]

bah, I was thinking I saw one when I did mine. You are right.

I would probably grab that, instead of the shaft, if you want to keep the shocks.

I grabbed my DT8000 shocks around the shaft, under the bushing "bumpstop" that is on them.

[mitchellSWFl]

Thanks for the replies. I got the new shocks on.
Tom

[02WJOverland]

I did mine today too...I ended up cutting the boot off. IMO, the easiest way to get a grip on the shaft to stop it from spinning so the top retaining nut could be removed. It saved a few abrasions on the hands and perhaps a Master Cylinder!