Shock Install
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 849
Likes: 507
From: NJ/NYC
2005 G55K
Hey Alex,
A few others have tried the shocks on the full soft setting and found there was too much sway during acceleration and stopping. Recommended setting for the 'softest' ride is for 2-3 clicks in the front and rear. I plan to set mine at 4 and 4 to start with when I do my install next week.
A few others have tried the shocks on the full soft setting and found there was too much sway during acceleration and stopping. Recommended setting for the 'softest' ride is for 2-3 clicks in the front and rear. I plan to set mine at 4 and 4 to start with when I do my install next week.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
2014 G63, 2008 G500, 2019 RS3
I'm looking forward to swapping out my stock Konis for the Fox 2.0. But first on the to do list are spring spacers.. Ive got the 49mm spacers ready to go, but when I went to install the other day, couldn't get the bottom nut off of the stock shock on the front.. tried everything but the shock housing would just spin whenever turned. Tried air tools, PB blaster, WD40, tried holding the housing, tried securing with vice grips (trying not to hurt the shock).
Anyone ever run into this? I feel like a super newb now and just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.. Any input would be great. I'm not ready to grind open the shock and rip it out as I don't have the Fox shocks yet (probably get them for myself for christmas) Thanks!
Anyone ever run into this? I feel like a super newb now and just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.. Any input would be great. I'm not ready to grind open the shock and rip it out as I don't have the Fox shocks yet (probably get them for myself for christmas) Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 849
Likes: 507
From: NJ/NYC
2005 G55K
I had the same issue with my lower shock nuts. My 2005 has most likely never had these removed in its life and they were really stuck. I ended up using my questionable air tool setup (Harbor Freight 1/2" earthquake XT impact + HF 8 gallon air compressor) and lots of PB Blaster. Took several tries of tightening and loosening with lubricant to get the nuts off. I had to hold the shock bodies with a large channel lock wrench and scratched one of the shocks pretty badly.
Since you have not yet purchased your replacement shocks, it may make sense to just do the spring spacers with the shock install at the same time as you won't have to worry about cutting the shock nut off if necessary. You could go to a shop with a commercial grade air tool setup with higher breakaway torques and ask them to loosen the nuts for you first, but there is always a risk of the shock threaded shaft breaking without having replacements on hand. I would also recommend installing longer diff/brake lines at the same time since you're already in there, and by removing the diff/brake lines, you can drop the axle all the way down and may not need to use spring compressors.
Since you have not yet purchased your replacement shocks, it may make sense to just do the spring spacers with the shock install at the same time as you won't have to worry about cutting the shock nut off if necessary. You could go to a shop with a commercial grade air tool setup with higher breakaway torques and ask them to loosen the nuts for you first, but there is always a risk of the shock threaded shaft breaking without having replacements on hand. I would also recommend installing longer diff/brake lines at the same time since you're already in there, and by removing the diff/brake lines, you can drop the axle all the way down and may not need to use spring compressors.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
2014 G63, 2008 G500, 2019 RS3
I had the same issue with my lower shock nuts. My 2005 has most likely never had these removed in its life and they were really stuck. I ended up using my questionable air tool setup (Harbor Freight 1/2" earthquake XT impact + HF 8 gallon air compressor) and lots of PB Blaster. Took several tries of tightening and loosening with lubricant to get the nuts off. I had to hold the shock bodies with a large channel lock wrench and scratched one of the shocks pretty badly.
Since you have not yet purchased your replacement shocks, it may make sense to just do the spring spacers with the shock install at the same time as you won't have to worry about cutting the shock nut off if necessary. You could go to a shop with a commercial grade air tool setup with higher breakaway torques and ask them to loosen the nuts for you first, but there is always a risk of the shock threaded shaft breaking without having replacements on hand. I would also recommend installing longer diff/brake lines at the same time since you're already in there, and by removing the diff/brake lines, you can drop the axle all the way down and may not need to use spring compressors.
Since you have not yet purchased your replacement shocks, it may make sense to just do the spring spacers with the shock install at the same time as you won't have to worry about cutting the shock nut off if necessary. You could go to a shop with a commercial grade air tool setup with higher breakaway torques and ask them to loosen the nuts for you first, but there is always a risk of the shock threaded shaft breaking without having replacements on hand. I would also recommend installing longer diff/brake lines at the same time since you're already in there, and by removing the diff/brake lines, you can drop the axle all the way down and may not need to use spring compressors.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 849
Likes: 507
From: NJ/NYC
2005 G55K
I would use something better than WD-40. I use PB Blaster as I've found it works really well, but there are a few other bolt penetrating threads that are designed for the job better than WD-40. I would also start spraying the rear shock lower bolts too as mine were also very very stuck. My impact couldn't loosen them and I had to wedge a wrench against the ground (2x4 under), drop the truck to hold the wrench in place, and use a 36" breaker bar to just break the bolt loose. And even after breaking loose, I had to continue using a 24" breaker bar in small angles, which took forever. A better impact setup would probably do it, but having a shop break it loose will make it much easier. You can source the lower rear bolt + nut as extras if you're worried about breaking them.
