salimshah

My life learning is ... never force a fastener if if it has any damage [thread, head etc], as eventually there will be a need to undo it. Once I rounded the corner of a nut while taking it off and in my haste I put it back [fastening used the un-rounded edge of the nut] and in couple of months I needed to take if off. I had to use a chisel to spin it off. I kept the nut on my desk for years as a reminder.

Salim

Madcar

So I was able to get threads cleaned up on the upper shock bracket with a die and retapped the nut while I was at it.
Had some problems with the upper shock bolt that attaches the shock to the bracket but was able to work it free on a bench with oil and an impact.
A lot more work that it should have been - but rust will do that, especially with collars.
Thanks again everyone for the help and advice.

RX in NC

Well done.