I just purchased new front shocks for my 1997 F150 4x4. I am having a terrible time removing the lower bolt on the old shocks. The nut looks strange to me. Instead of 6 points they have been flattened slightly. I can fit an 11/16 6 point socket on the nut and it is very tight but I have started to round off the nut instead of breaking it loose. Has anyone had this trouble and if so, how did you remove that lower bolt? I have a Haynes manual for my truck but as usual it is worthless. It simply says "remove lower bolt and nut"...

 

nut head is probably metric. you may need to use a nut buster socket. I have a set from sears. Just drive the remover socket onto the nut and use a socket wrench to pull off the offending nut. Works great.

 

I tried metric but nothing fit right. 17mm was too small and 18 was too big... I might take your advice and visit Sears tomorrow.

 

Electric impact gun worked well for me. Sorry can't remember the size I used though.

 

My '99 was an 18mm. I bought a 6 point socket and wrench just for the task. 11/16" is very close to 17mm.

 

I recently changed the 4 shocks on my 1997 4x4.

The nuts are metric, and if not mistaken I think it is 18mm.

 

If the nut is really rusted on and is stripped you can always cut the nut off with a nut breaker or a grinder. then all you would have to do is replace the nut. they r not that much. hope this helps