Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

On my 1953 Clipper how are the top nuts of the rear shocks accessible?

Disconnect the bottom of the shock first, then stick a 9/16" wrench up there and simply spin the shock by hand to disconnect it. If it doesn't go, use a pipe wrench or vice grips on it.

It will probably help to work facing the rear of the car as well.

I haven't replaced my shocks on my 53 Cavalier, but the nut for the top of the shock is just above the cross member it attaches to above the rear axle? Should be able to put a wrench on it and spin the shock. It may be seized and take a bit of work to get it off.

On my Panama I ended up having to use a sawzall to remove my rear shocks. The upper nuts were rusted and wouldn't budge.

But in the absence of rust, PGH is correct. Undo the lower bolt first (helps to lift the axle a bit) then get a 9/16 on the upper nut, and spin the whole shock body with the other hand. And face towards the rear like he says.

Initially thats what I thought was the way to remove the top nut. I thought maybe there was access from inside the trunk.
But I thank all of your replies on how to reach that top nut.