Saw this same issue in a couple of posts and had it happen to me today. I put an 18mm box end wrench on the nut and a 6 pt. socket on the hex on the end of the rod. Ran the socket clockwise with the air impact driver while holding the nut and it drove the nut right up off the shock shaft.

 

This doesn't work in salt country!

After messing around for waaay too long, I had to cut the shock shaft with a sawzall.

 

Rust country!!! I feel sorry for you guys. I have worked on a few vehicles here that came from up north and it seems like every nut and bolt got replaced because most were just cut off or broke off

 

Bump

 

Thanks Shorts!!

 

Is there a way to tell if my shocks are worn out? I'm at 100k but they're not leaking. Ride feels ok but not great. Any tips? Thanks guys

 

If you're at 100k your shocks are worn out more than likely. Unless it is mostly all highway and smooth roads. After you replace them you will be surprised at how much better it feels!!

 

Agreed!!! At 302k miles and I'm on my 2nd set. You can only imagine how the front end takes bumps and dips in the road. The rear I'm not so much concerned about because the air bags don't lend much movement for the shocks. I'll be upgrading to Bilstein Blue/Yellow before X-mas.....it's not a want at this point.....IT'S A NEED!!!!

 

It seems like those are the best replacement shocks- anyone know the cheapest spot to buy online?

 

Ahh just great. I read your thread and went out to take a look. Yep some rusted bolts to contend with. Thought I would get a price from a local tire store Well using a Internet pricing of KYB monomax the labor is $350
It sure looks like the passenger side battery is going to be in the way, driver side don't look much better.

 

The driver side battery is close but not in the way as long as you are careful when pulling the shock out.
If you need more info just PM me or ask right here!

 

Thanks I think I'll take you up on that.
Not being a welder or having knowledge about it, what happens if I break that lower fixed nut off and the bolt just turns?
Not a big wrencher but some of those nuts and bolts look pretty locked in place. Even owning a impact gun and pb blaster I'm not sure they will come off easily.
Thanks
Rick

 

Any friends that are welders? Being from a rust area you better hit everything with PB blaster for a few days! If the lower nut breaks it will be a real PITA to get to. Let me know how it goes and I'll help as much as I can.

 

This is great information you posted, thanks. This will be one of many up coming projects for my 2004 Dodge Ram 2500.

 

If you need any help just ask!