Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Front shock replacement

[curatchko]

Just a quick question. I'm replacing my original front shocks and was looking around the area last night... . would like to know what the prefered method is... . do I take the shock tower off? Drop it through the bottom? I'd just like to do it easy the first time.



Thanks

 

[AggieJustin]

Take the shock towers off and pull them out from the top.



To make the driver's side easier, use some twine or a free pair of hands and hold the top of the shock down when you take the tower off. Then you can guide the shock up through the maze of brake lines. And if you're putting pressurized shocks back in, compress it and tie it up. Then once you have the shock tower on, cut the string and guide it up through the hole in the tower.



JM

 

[NVR FNSH]

Jack the front end up and support it with jack stands under the frame so that the front axle is hanging at complete extension. This will give you plenty of room to get the shocks in & out without having to fight them.



Brian

 

[Hazmedic]

I just did mine yesterday, the easiest way is through the top I feel. You need to secure the top of the shock while taking the top bolt off, i use a big pipe wrench and wedge it between the shock and tower so i can turn the nut without spinning the shock. The bottom is a flag nut so it is pretty easy. I have replaced several sets on both of my dodges the front always seem to wear out quickly. I think that this could be from using a pressurized shock on a truck that is already front heavy, the bouncing causes the pistons to blow prematurely. This time i put on rancho rs 9000x and they are not pressurized but use fluid pressure to slow the jolt. You can search the INTERNET and find ranchos cheaper than buying a auto part store brand. just food for the brain.

 

[curatchko]

I bought Trailmaster SSV Shocks... . we'll see how they work out.



Thanks for the tips!

 

[FASTERTHANU]

ditto... ditto... ditto Shock replacement was pretty straightforward on 98. 5 4wd but was not the fastest or most simple design to work with. Just wanted to drop a line on the ssv's. I put them on my wife's lifted cherokee (6" lift and lots of rock gear) in order to improve her highway ride (maybe she wouldn't notice the winch anyway, but I wasn't taking any chances). Verdict: they are the best shocks I've ever owned. I work in the automotive aftermarket and have owned them all (rancho, trailmaster, kyb, edelbrock, pro comp... etc) and not paid much for any of them. Like all "speed sensitive valving" shocks they have a different feel to them on the highway, but after you get em off road they rock. Oo.

 

[FASTERTHANU]

One last note... the front end on these vehicles is AWFUL heavy and has one of the worst mushy suspensions I have ever felt (Do guys actually take these things fourwheelin????). As it is the same basic design as the jeep xj's I have to attribute it to the overall front end weight and more specifically the engine weight. Does anybody know of a GOOD quality double shock kit for these trucks. I have not checked it out yet but would imagine that the need has not gone unnoticed by the aftermarket and that there are probably several kits available. I was hoping somebody might have some experiece with different brands.