Replacing shocks--How's it done?

[JSchutz]

I'm fairly naive mechanically so please "talk slowly and use small words". It's time to replace my original shocks (188k). Is this something the uninitiated can tackle without much trouble or should I have it done at the dealer? I've done this before on a Chevy but what has me hesitating is the coil spring setup in the front of the Dodge. What is the procedure for getting at the shock and replacing it? Thanks in advance. Jeff

 

[strokerschmoker]

It is pretty easy. There is one bolt on the bottom of the shock that has to come out. Then take off the three nuts that hold the upper shock mount tower to the coil spring bucket. Wiggle the whole thing up through the engine bay and you are done. Don't worry about the coil spring, it is supported independent of the shock.

 

[BigFun]

The passenger side is easiest and straight forward. The driver side is more difficult because of the anti-skid lines and power distribution box. It will work easiest is you are able to remove the shock tower from the shock on the driver's side. A little more time consuming, but less chance of buggering up something trying to remove the assembly through the brake line nest. My stock shocks would expand to the fully extended position when the towers are loose. The tower nuts are 15mm. The shock nut is 22mm (I think). You may need a small wrench to hold the strut stud while removing the nut. Use an extension for the bottom bolt. You should be able to access the tower bolts from inside the fenderwell on each side. Hope this helps.

BF

 

[wyosteve]

My . 02. If you're replacing the shocks w/ an aftermarket brand, before you start the removal of old shock process, be sure you have the correct wrenches to install the new shocks. I found out the hard way that Bilsteins require a 19mm closed end and a 6 mm. allen wrench to install the top. By the time I made 2 trips to town and bought the correct wrenches, it might have been easier to pay someone to do it.