Quote Originally Posted by Irving View Post
In reference to the Great Kazoo's comments, this first picture is actually how the manual describes the method of removing the top nut. Vise grips on the "flats" of the top bolt.
The front shocks on my Suburban were like that. What a pain in the a$$! Fortunately we had two people so we would take turns, one holding the pliers and the other turning the wrench to remove the bolt. Took us a while though.

Not sure why manufacturers use that design. Maybe it saves money or weight? Sure makes it a chore to change out shocks, though.