Changing front shocks on a 2012

Left side OK

Right side I snugged the upper bolt as tight as I could by hand while keeping the shock centered in hole and keeping the rubber gasket centered. I can't use a rag and vise grips to keep tightening it up because you have to hold the shock away from the bottom mount some to turn it and that pushes my rubber washer to the side some.

So I have the top bolt on as tight as I can by hand and I installed the bottom bolt. I can put a wrench in the top nut but cannot turn it AT ALL. If I turn the rod with vise grips to compress the rubber gasket 1/8" like the direction say will it damage the inside of the shock?

I don't know how they are built or if just turning the rod about 5 times will hurt it.

I don't want to cut all the hard plastic out of the way.

Thanks

 

You can turn the rod, no problem. You shouldn't need to though. If there no flats on the piston rod to secure it while you tighten the nut You should be able to grab the rod with your hand and get the nut tight enough though. No puns intended.