Quote Originally Posted by Al G View Post
What I meant by kink is that the shock rod is not in alignment with the shock body. The disk that's supposed to fit inside the tube and maintain alignment came out of the tube. After I got pressure off it the rod moves around like something is broken inside the tube. There's no damage I can see to the tube. I can't find any markings to tell me who made the shock.
I could visualize what you meant in my head when you first said the top came off. The rod that travels down inside is connected to a piston that contains various sized valves. if the piston has been allowed to "cock" in the bore, it's trash now, it'll be deformed and won't seal properly. But if the outer bore ( the tube ) is ok, it should be rebuild-able (but don't hold your breath).

Speedway has a division that rebuild shocks - AFCO - , but first you need to get the sucker out. As Charlie says above, maybe remove the other fasteners and get all the "stuff" out of the way so you can really hit it. And maybe you can beg borrow rent an impact air hammer? Or - if the shock mount gives you the room, cut the bolt. If you do use a sawzall, put some vice grips on the bolt to stop it from spinning and wasting your efforts. BTDT...