Part # for rear shock clips

[warndogg]

Dose anyone know the part # for the clips that hold the upper bolts on the rear shocks (96 2 door hoe). I installed the pass side ok but cant get the bolts started on the drivers side. I took the clips out and can't get the bolt to start by hand either. Seems like clips are stripped and thought I would check here before I run over to a parts store.

 

[SunlitComet]

pics of these clips please.

 

[warndogg]

Looks like this

 

[njJohn]

Auto part stores usually have them. Maybe on a Help card. Also called speed clips or nuts.

 

[warndogg]

Yeah thanks Ima just take the original one in and match it up thanks for the help guys.

 

[SunlitComet]

you did not have bolts washers and nuts on both shock mounts?

 

[warndogg]

you did not have bolts washers and nuts on both shock mounts?

All parts were there. The u nuts that hold the 2 bolts on the top of the rear shock were stripped. I have now been to 3 auto parts stores and a hardware store looking for a replacement. Tommarow Im headed to a Fastenal to see if they got what I need. What a nightmare replacing one rear shock has been. Here is what I need to replace.

 

[iceworm]

Good morning all. I'm back. Moved, sold a hous, bought a house. Still got the hoe. Still running fine - not spectacular, but fine. Still planning on keeping it.

I tagged on to this thread cause it is exactly what I've run into.

Changing shocks today. Fronts went well. Took about two hours.

Working on the first back one. One top bolt came out okay. Second top bolt loosened up then the clip turned loose.

I pulled the tire and can reach up over the frame and feel the clip - barely enough space to get my hand in there.

Qs
1. How do you get the bolt out? I might be able to get on the clip with needle nose vise grips - and maybe not. I'll try this first.

2. Did anyone find a source for new clips?

3. Any tricks to replacing the clips?

4. I'm seriously thinking of boring a hole in the bed to access the clips, fill with rubber plug when done. Hopefully there is a better way.

I absolutely appreciate any help. I'm hoping to get this finished today.

Ice

 

[warndogg]

I never found an exact match. Had to go with a nut/clip that rubbed the shock. I can tell you, you will need an 18 inch socket extension to get the bolts out. The nuts/clips go in pretty easy with some patience. You definitely want to bolt the top of the shock first when installing new.

 

[iceworm]

I've got a long enough extension to reach the bolts. That's not the issue. One bolt came out, the second loosened up, then the clip spun. Bolt will not turn out of the clip cause the clip is turning with the bolt.

Here is what I need to do:
1. Get the bolt out.

2. Get the old clip out. Likely not much of an issue - It will likely fall out.

3. Buy a new clip. Get the new clip installed.

I'm thinking this has happened before an hopefully someone has some hints.

Carl

 

[iceworm]

Wasn't a bad day
Passenger side rear shock
Bored a 2' hole in the bed right behind the back seat over the problem bolt. Hit pretty close - wasn't centered, but close enough - Measured over and bored a second 1.5" hole so I could remove the clip and get the washers and nut on the other bolt

Tried to hold the clip with long nose vise grips - no joy. Used a die grinder to cut the clip. Punched out the bolt. Original upper fasteners were 8mm x 1.25 - now are 5/16 - with flats and locks

Driver side rear
Interestingly the passenger side upper end is forward of the axle. The driver side upper end is aft of the axle.

Both bolts came out. The clips were loose and the new shock is a bit bigger diameter than GM original issue. Couldn't get the outside bolt to start. Clips are gone, fasteners are now also 5/16. On this side there is enough space to reach in and start the nuts and put an open end on the nuts.

One other interesting thing
The driver side lower bolt won't come out if you jack up under the axle. It hits the sway bar. Picked up the body a couple of inches and that let the bolt clear. Put the bolt back in the other direction.

Mild curses to GM for not spending an extra $1 on the clips.

This is where someone jumps in and says, "You goof, you should have used a left handed, right angle ------".

Carl

 

[Spargewort]

Reviving an 8 year old post..

I did this job today and got the same result with the last busted clip on the passenger side rear shock. Bolt was stuck in the clip and the whole thing was turning together. Way up there in a hard-to-navigate pocket.

One side of the clip was still there on the front side and I had just enough room to clamp it down with vice grips, and after a liberal dosing of WD, turned it in a few turns, then backed it out. Whew. Now I am off to find that clip.

My next idea was to get a Dremel up there and saw through the bolt. That would have worked also, but sacrificed the bolt. There is a youtube of a guy who actually gets a pipe wrench up in from the back side and holds the clip with that as he turns the bolt out. I could not see how to possibly do it that way.

 

[clh5411]

Is this the one?

GM 15715641

Site Maintenance

It does not match when using the website's "Check Vehicle Fit" But it does look correct....

Doing the shocks on my '95 soon and hope to not run into this issue but want to be prepared if I do. Looks like some OEM shock kits come with the hardware but most do not.