xj shock issues
 

I broke 2 bar pin bolts on one shock in the rear. What is the best way to get those out? Will stock shocks work with 2 inch shackles and spacers? Is there an oem application that will work if the stock wont?
I am very suprised the weld nuts on the shackles didnt break. One was very tough to get out

Drill em. If your hands are small, you can snake a nut into the cavity above it. I managed it, but it wasn't easy. I don't think I could get a long enough bolt in from the topside. If you can't sneak either one in there, you'll be drilling a hole in the floor.

Robert

I have drilled them out before but we all know how much that brings on the suck !

the best way I have found is quick and easy ... just weld a couple bolts to the frame and make studs . I have done this on several XJ's and TJ's and not had any reported failures .

Tony, I cut a small flap out of the floor fromt he top and drilled them out and then took the sway bar connections that go on the spring pad, its shaped liek a "U" and is about 3.5" long and you have to widen it just a bit to get a shoack bushing to go through. So drill them out, attach that piece up there with new bolts, and run normal shocks. Works great a lot easier to change shocks out and I have a lot more options now.

Nate that is what I will do. Can I remove the bar pins and use the same shocks?

Usually as long as you can find a bolt to fit both holes. I forget, I am about to replace mine back there. You may have to widen the bracket or cut down the metal bushing and squeeze the rubber to get it in.

I've still got a pair sitting on my porch, if you want em...

Robert

I was wondering the other day if it was still there. I will get them. When?

They're sittin on my trailer now, you can pick em up any time you happen by.

Or I can drop em off at AHP tomorrow, if that'd be easier. I go right by.

See ya

That would be fine with me

Which? AHP?

Thanks for dropping those brackets off.

No problem, hope they do what you want.

Turns out I lied to you: I was under the rig today, and saw that I did manage to get a bolt in from the top. It's been a while, and my memory ain't what it was...

Not that it really matters now since you're going the other way, but just for others' reference...

Robert