i followed a few forum posts with attached photographs to change the upper front shock bushings on my newly acquired XJ8 2003. Jacked both sides up and left a couple of inches clear beneath the tires. When I finally reached the point of removing the 17mm nut on top of the bushing, there was almost like a mini explosion and the nut went flying off ( still have not found it ). It seems the the threaded rod from the shock went back a little.

When I did the other side, I used a socket for the last thread instead of the wrench the whole time. Same story - didnt lose the nut this time ( only because of the socket being there ) but same ‘pop’ of an explosion the the threaded section of the shock has retreated a little bit and Im not sure that its going to protrude enough to allow the nut to be put back on once I get the bushing replaced tomorrow at Napa, who have a press. Will lowering the jack help ? Sorry to be such an amateur !

(Atlanta )

Thanks !