[old_master]

The easiest and fastest way to remove the upper shock mount is to break the shock shaft bolt. Raise the front wheels off the ground and use jack stands on the frame. Through the wheel opening, use a 9/16" deep socket and a long handle ratchet on the upper shock nut. Might need to slide a short piece of pipe over the ratchet handle to gain leverage. Removing the wheel will give you more room, but it's not necessary. Rock the ratchet back and forth until the shock shaft breaks off. Usually takes 5 or 6 times... maybe 30 seconds! The lower attaching bolts are 13mm and usually come right out. Might want to soak them with penetrating oil first to be sure. Once you have the vehicle jacked up, total replacement time is about 20 minutes.