Rear shock bolt installation options without cutting tub

Aloha Joe

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
139
Location
Honolulu, HI, USA
I've seen plenty of information about how to remove stuck shock bolts, but besides cutting the tub and using a wrench from above I don't see much about installing new hardware. I have a stock 2005 Rubicon, but with custom storage built in the cargo area so I don't want to pull all that and cut the tub.

*If I drop the tank and raise the tub a couple inches on one side, will I have enough wrench access to install new shock bolts? Is raising the tub enough for future replacement

*I already bought Rancho RS5000x. If I use Bar Pin Eliminators, can I pull the bar pin from the Ranchos and still use them?

I plan on doing everything I can to save the bolts, but the amount of torque and the overall feel I got from the front makes me think the rear bolts will break.

Thanks,
Joe
 
Like he said, you can get wrench on top of the shock mount from the rear without lifting the body. With a bodylift you can also get in from the wheel well area.
 
I guess another option is to re-use the existing mounts:

I had a crummy mood I couldn’t shake this morning. I can tell you that really changed for the better with each bolt that came out.

589370DA-D2C9-40A8-A095-AF161F03BDFD.jpeg
 
Switch to grade 8 hardware. The strength isn't necessary but the coating is far superior to any other bolt that I know of. Even better than hot dip galvanized.