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[daved]

Got some new shockers to go on the front of my 2002 gr cherokee. Before i conclude that the nnut is overtightened or sized on the top end, am I missing anything ? are there any nifty special tools to undo the nut/hold the rod or is it a grazed knuckle job in the confined space 

[scrw]

Make sure you have the right shocks before you start! Then...

use a BFO stilson/pipe spanner to hold the top of the old shock or the shaft then get a helpful assistant to undo the top nut for you, 15mm IIRC, a deep socket & extentions will save your knuckles 

[daved]

cheers 

I reckon removal will involve a nut splitter  the small one should fit fine 

[scrw]

if its that fooked an air saw at the top of the shock under the wheelarch may be easier

[haslamg]

....just did mine yesterday, front and rear.

Drivers side is clear enough, even being slightly hindered by the coolant reservoir.
Pass side, you'll need to unbolt the evap cannister and swing it away and also the frame it sits on.  About 4 x 10mm bolts.

Spray the threads with penetrating spray or at least wd40.  I used a 9mm wrench to hold the top and a 15mm spanner to loosen the nut on the shock.   Turn the nut until the wrench is blocked by something hard/fixed in the engine bay and keep the pressure up....it'll snap free.  A deep socket didn't work for me at this point as it just kept turning the whole shock piston.  I had to keep turning quarter-by-quarter with a 15mm spanner.

G.

[daved]

thanks folks,

haslamg, they are good to work on arent they ?

i did the rear shocks and springs last week, probably the easiest set ive ever done  

ive also replaced all 4 brake discs and pads (apart from the parking shoes) in one afternoon last week too, again , dead easy couldnt believe it.

done one of the rear drop links, again, absolute cinch .

I guess I was expecting in my own mind as much access and ease for the fron, i've been spoilt