I recently finished up my front shock replacement, and have moved on to the rears. I started with the driver side rear shock, and have two rubber bushings, two washers, a larger nut, and a smaller installed per my shock (kyb gr-2) diagram.

This is a 2002 v6 convertible. I had to completely remove the seatbelt bracket to get any access to the nut whatsoever (a bit cramped). I have seen some torque specs listed at 13 ft-lbs for the top of this shock which I had assumed was covered with my trusty ol' wrench and vise grips. I can still however turn the two nuts very easily with a socket wrench, and I guess I'm just wondering if that's going to be okay? It is particularly difficult to keep the vise grips in place on the lower nut (diagram instructed that both nuts should be in-vehicle and on the top of the uppermost metal washer) and turn the top nut at the same time due to space constrictions.

 

Do you have an open end wrench that fits the flat surfaces of the stud??? Thats what I use...

 

Well, yes -- that is what I was using in conjunction with vise grips on the lower nut.

 

So, I guess where I messed up is that I didn't bother letting the spring flop out, potentially allowing me to access the shock with a vise grip.. Now the nuts are on there, and being a b**** to remove due to the rotating. I have also chewed up the shaft pretty good (I have managed to avoid the threads at least). Now the springs don't flop out because the upper nut actually holds. :/