I need some help on how to remove the front shocks on a 01 xlt

vice grips and an open end wrench does the trick

If all else fails...torch. That will burn that rubber boot off and some of the rust, makes it a hole lot easier. That is what I did for my '91's front shocks.

the top part of the shock is up in the frame and vice grips wont fit

hold it from the very top of the shock's shaft just above the frame . you'll need to remove the splash guards to get to it though. trust me, it will work. i've taken my front suspension apart 4 times and my buddies 98 also using this method.

I've got to do both of my fronts too on my 96. I'm thinking i'm gonna need a torch as well.

the torch is fine if you don't need to reuse the shocks.

Swapped my '01s shocks a while back no problem. Deep well socket on the top in the engine compartment with two extensions so I can reach it easily, open end wrench to hold the shaft on the shock in the fender well. Didn't need to remove anything but the shocks. Just thought about it, mines an Edge, maybe there's a difference. I do know they're the same shocks though.

the torch is fine if you don't need to reuse the shocks.

Very true, forgot to mention that. Only use the torch if the shocks are getting replaced. I just figured you were replacing them, then I realized that there are many times they are removed and put back on.

like said above, the vice grips and a wrench work great, but another trick is a gear ratchet ratcheting wrench and vice grips.

I made a video on how to do this, Simply go to www.streetfire.net and search "ramin" and ull see my "lowering the rangeR" video.

i got them off with help of a cut off wheel becasue the idiot stripped them and they used alot of lock tite. the shocks threads dont stick up enough to put the nut on