Shock Absorber replacement issue

[Lordsxo]

So I was changing the front shock absorbers, among other things to do with the suspension. I did the driver's side (RHD) with no problem. Took out the bolts, and removed the shock, bolted the new one in.

When I went to do the same with the passenger side, I started having issues. All the bolts came out, the ones attached to the LCA, I then removed the two nuts from the top. I also removed the washer and bushing. The is nothing holding it in now, but I can't remove it from the top. I smashed it with a hammer, dumped half a can of PB Blaster on it. I even tried to pry it and tried to twist it by the dust shield with pliers.

I have bolted it back on now, but I didn't put the nuts on the top all the way back on, hoping that driving around would loosen it up.

I have no other idea of what to do with this, these shouldn't be hard to remove. Does anyone have a suggestion?

[lrp374]

Any pictures?

[GreyDC]

We might replace the shocks for the incoming L300 soon and I'm surprised to hear your issue on the passenger side. Would appreciate it if you share what you found out. We'll just finish installing the new set of wheels and tires on the truck this week before we take a closer look at the L300.

[Lordsxo]

Sorry, been on vacation for the last little while. I took another look at it today. Even after backing off the top nut to see if that would help to loosen it up, it is still stuck. I got some pictures this time after wire brushing it. I even tried to get a pry bar in there, it doesn't want to budge.

Still can understand why it's so stuck, the other side, which has likely been in there from the factory, just fell out when I took the nut off of the top.

[lrp374]

Great pictures!!. I have a couple of questions so I am trying to solve the problem--

1. Can you turn the bolt @ the top?

2. When you turn the bolt, if you can, does the washer move with it?

[Lordsxo]

I've been out camping all month so I didn't get a chance to reply. That little disk looking thing is part of the mount. On the 2nd picture the metal rod is part of the shock then the mount, the rubber bushing, then a washer, and finally the dust cover.

Any way it's now solved. What I did was put the washer and the two nuts back with out the top bushing. This left a 3 cm gap, essentially disconnected on the top with only the seize holding it.

I've been driving around for about 1000 KM like this, and it finally broke loose just now. Making a hell of a noise now over bumps, but will replace it tomorrow.

Thanks for the help.