I am replacing the shocks on my 99 4x4 (or trying to) and I am stumped on the rears. The posts and Chilton say to hold the shock top from turning and then loosen the nut. Okay....my stock shocks have some cheap plastic sleeve on the top that I cannot grip and there is not enough room between the bed and the shock top to put vise-grips and a wrench. What am I missing?

 

There is a nut at the top of the sleeve that you can't see you need to get to.

 

I just got out the air cut-off tool, and cut that plastic boot off. I was then able to lock a pair of vice grips on the piston to hold it still, and unfasten the nut.

 

there may be a hex head insert area in the end of the shaft near the floor of the bed like my Bilstiens have....

 

AINT THAT A CRAPPY DESIGN
I GOT THEM OFF WITH 2 WRENCHES BUT IT WAS NOT FUN
HE IS RIGHT WITH THE PLASTIC BOOT

 

Finished them up in about an hour yesterday (of which 45 minutes seemed to be taking the "hidden" nuts off of the old shocks!!!). I found the hidden nut at the top of the shaft but didn't have anything short enough to grab onto it so I went the plastic sleeve route. A little judicious use of the razor knife and a pair of vice grips and I was turning that nut at the top a whole quarter turn at a time in seconds.

Thanks to all for your help. There is a world of difference with the RSX's on. I pulled out of the driveway onto the 4wheel drive trail we call a road and the washboard smoothed right out.