Trouble installing rear shock

[azasadny]

I know, I know, installing rear shocks on my '74 should be pretty easy, but one of the shocks is giving me grief and I want some advice.

I have the engine lowered (partial drop) to do other repairs and thought this would be a good time to replace the rear shocks. The old shocks were leaking fluid and I could easily compress them by hand.

Oh well, I ordered new Bilsteins from PP and followed the tips provided by John Walker to get the driver's side installed. When I installed the passenger side shock, the 17mm nut won't tighten on the top bolt on the shock, it goes on, turns with slight resistance, but then never tightens down, it just keeps turning and turning. I've tried another 17mm nut and the same thing happens.

Did the bolt strip? What can I do? Do I need to remove the new shock and send it back for replacement? Thanks in advance for your advice!!

[abisel]

What I think is happening is that the shock rod is turning.
Look at the top of the shock rod where the nut goes on and see if you can use an allen wrench to hold the rod while you tighten the nut. The Bilsteins I installed on the rear of my 4Runner had such a set-up.

[azasadny]

abisel,
Thank you! That was the problem! I can't believe I didn't notice that I needed to secure the bolt with an allen wrench. The driver's side went on nice and tight without it, but the passenger side was a different story. Thanks again!!

[abisel]

My pleasure to help out another Porschephile.