Shock absorber bolt removal

I need some advice. I have been working on this for two days now.

I have a 1972 Pantera and am replacing the lower front ball joints. I've got the left side apart with no problems. The right side is apart, except for the lower shock absorber bolt. I can not get it to move. I can turn it and I have the nut off, but the bolt will not come out. I have poly bushings in the shocks. The left side tapped right out with no problem.

I have soaked it will Kroil, used an air impact on the bolt. It spins slowly. I put the nut back on and used an air hammer on it using a pointed anvil. I tried using a spade anvil under the head of the bolt, but it did not move. I tried tapping on the nut then tried beating on it with a 5lb hammer. Still no movement. I tried a large c-clamp trying to push it thru with no luck.

I was wondering if I rented a large c-clamp ball joint separator kit from Autozone if that might work.

Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated.!

Thanks, Paul #3040

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10/7/233:13 PM

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jtpanteraMember

Paul

Before I saw your photos, I was expecting to see a horribly corroded assembly. It doesn't look rusty and I am surprised that it is giving you so much fuss.

Two things to consider.

Remove the top bolt of the shock absorber to allow the shock to move up into the top mount flange and reduce the downward pressure it is exerting on the bolt. Perhaps putting downward force on the lower arm will accomplish the same thing.

I would be more aggressive with lubricant and the air impact gun on the head of the bolt. I would rotate it both ways until it spun freely. Keep putting your favorite penetrant between the flanges. You will win eventually

10/7/233:39 PM

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LardogMember

Paul,

I had this problem when I was removing my shocks. What I had to do is compress the springs on the shock to relieve the pressure. I used a spring compressor to do it. I hope this helps. Larry

10/7/234:39 PM

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rockyMember

I would guess there is a groove worn in the bolt, and spring pressure is causing it to catch on the a-arm.

Good luck!

Rocky

10/7/237:16 PM

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paulvMember

On Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 09:16:25 PM CDT, The De Tomaso Forums <alerts@crowdstack.com> wrote:

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| Shock absorber bolt removalReply by rocky
I would guess there is a groove worn in the bolt, and spring pressure is causing it to catch on the a-arm.

Good luck! I will disconnect the shock at the top and see if I can get the bolt out Thanks, Paul

Rocky

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10/8/238:34 AM

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paulvMember

Thanks for all of your suggestions.
I liberally sprayed it with some Kroil and let it sit overnight. I was finally able to move the bolt about 1/2" after I loosened the top of the shock, along with spinning it with an air impact and hitting it an air hammer. It Finally moved and I was able to get it out! Success! The bolt had quite a bit of corrosion. I will definitely use anti seize when I put it back together.
Now I am waiting for the new ball joints to arrive.
Thanks again for all of your input.
Paul

On Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 09:16:25 PM CDT, The De Tomaso Forums <alerts@crowdstack.com> wrote:

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New Reply By rocky
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| Shock absorber bolt removalReply by rocky
I would guess there is a groove worn in the bolt, and spring pressure is causing it to catch on the a-arm.

Good luck!

Rocky

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10/8/2311:45 AM

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rockyMember

Congratulations! Good news!

10/8/2311:53 AM

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