should i leave the bottom bolted in?If you're having issues with the front upper shaft nuts, (usually the most difficult ones), here's an old flat-rate mechanic's method: Put a deep socket on the longest extension bar you have, preferably 18 in. or longer. Slip it over the shaft and firmly on the nut. Pull it back and forth, bending the shock shaft until the shaft fatigues and breaks. Obviously this is only for situations when you're scrapping the old shocks. For the rear uppers, most of the too companies sell an L-shaped box wrench that makes life a bit easier, or you can heat and bend an old 1/2" box wrench.
Bill
When I read posts like this I feel SO LUCKY to be in Texas where you can unbolt stuff thats 20-30 years old....you can torch the tops off. Done that once or twice. you can cut the shaft in between the coils with a sawzall too. If you have access to a big impact gun that'll usually do it. A grinder will also take the nut on top off. Sears sells nut splitters too that will split the nut off maybe. Or a small pipe wrench is always a fair option on everything I think. There are very few things an appropriately sized pipe wrench won't turn off. Any way you approach it good luck. :beer:
The shock doesn't really care. you can do either top or bottom first.should i leave the bottom bolted in?