My '81 has the original factory rear shocks still on it. I understand the two upper shock bolts, but how is the shock attached at the bottom? It looks like there is some kind of washer that is crimped over the end of a shaft that goes through the bottom of the shock. I thought there was supposed to be a nut on there that I could remove to pull the shock. Am I just missing something?

The shock is attached to a bracket on the axle tube, just remove the nut and washer,; the shock slides over the stud. I think you have to look a little lower as you seem to be looking at the wrong place.

Well, I see the stud and I can unbolt the stud from the bracket, but I cannot tell what holds the shock on the stud. I'll try and get a picture...

The only thing that hold the lower mount on is the nut and washer. If it won't come off, then the rubber bushing has got some rust under it and wedged itself on. A prybar would get it broke loose.

Here is a picture of the shock. I thought there was supposed to be a threaded stud here with a nut on it. Do I just remove the nut from the backside of the shock bracket?

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/14/14/7/2/75/2125702750049602296NnDMOs_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2125702750049602296NnDMOs)

No, leave the stud attached to the bracket. Remove the bolt (3/4" head, I think) holding the shock onto the stud. You will probably have to pry thr shock off or use a air hammer if you have one. I think you should get a Factory Service Manual if you plan on doing more repairs/maintenance on your Elky.

So, that is a bolt on the back of the shock? It only protrudes about 1/16" of an inch from the shock and seems to have some kind of thin washer bent around it, maybe to lock it into position. Does that sound right?

By the way, I have a FSM and have done more repairs to this thing than you might expect from my inability to replace the rear shocks :lol: .

8) Looks loike you need a new stud. I see what looks like the imprint from the old nut on the washer. I would say the stud broke at the washer. Is the other side the same? :?

Yup, the otherside looks just like this one. That is why I couldn't make heads or tails out of this, I thought there was supposed to be a threaded stud sticking out with a nut on it. Bummer...

8) You can get them at most any parts store. :cool:

Thanks PaPa John! I found them at Advance, Motormite part # 31001, Shock bolt kit (http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3133&mfrcode=RNB&mfrpartnumber=31001). At least I think that is it...

I figured this out. The original factory shocks are permanently attached to the stud and the stud must be unbolted at the lower mount and discarded with the shock. Replacement studs are available and some replacement shocks come with the stud. I got new studs and now I can replace the shocks.

I got 'em done this weekend. FYI, the factory shocks DO have the lower studs permanently attached to the shocks. Anyway, the ride is a little stiffer than before but it corners a whole lot better :) .