[Ashwin]

hi all,

i had a failed attempt (removing the rear shocks/live axle) last evening using mainly blueoval/Shavs method. As it was getting dark - i made a hasty retreat :-(
Basically ran into 2 main problems:

1) couldn't get the dam nuts off - those 18mm ones at the bottom securing the shocks. Do they use loctite on those things or what ? Tried wd40 without luck. Didn't have a breaker bar around but would that help in take 2 on some sunny weekend ?

2) At the top - couldn't get the center shock nuts off (17mm?) - that pesky washer kept spinning while undoing the nut. Any recommended tool/wrench to keep that thing at bay while undoing the center bolt. Of course i am also assuming that's the only nut to undo - not the whole upper mount if you are NOT doing the springs.

Lastly for educational purposes why are we raising the rear axle/diff before undoing the bolts and is there any recommended minimum ?

Thanks folks!

Ash