Peter wrote:

I had a look at the fronts, my bottom nut is 19mm btw,. Took the plastic cover off above the shock, and after having undone the bottom nut half way, decided that the top one might not come off as these are 8 year old factory fittings, and that the instructions were a bit vague in this area. Have decided to order new turrets and try again next Saturday, as not got the tools or time if can't get the turrett off.
I had to take the wheel off the front and drop the axle down onto a support, and then jack the chassis up a few mm as the stilsen needed the spring spread apart to get a grip on it.

Likely the old turret was a bit rusty anyway - you can buy galvaised ones...

Odd your shock mounts are 19mm...mine (I posted the instructions) were definately 18mm.

If your old scocks are for the bin only, use mole grips on the shiny plunger rod (see thin rod on upper shock):



PS borrowed image

you'll need to damage the old shock to do this - but if they're for the bin anyway...

I would also be tempted (assuming you are keeping the vehicle) to swap the turret rings with galvanized ones...defenderbits (site sponsor) sell them:


If you didn;t live at the wrong end of the country ( ) I would pop over and give you a hand  Defender "Puma" 2.4 110 County Utility (possibly the last of the 2.4's)