2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Shock Removal

[GHart]

2500 front shock removal.

I just got new Bilstein's from Geno's. Seemed like a simple enough job until I started then... trouble.

What is the removal procedure for the front shocks, especially driver's side? Lots of wiring looms, brake lines, etc in the way. Do I have to move enough stuff out of the way to get the shock tower (3 bolts) out or is there some special trick?

Man it looks like a REAL pain.

Thanks for any help

ghart

 

[RBeard]

The driver side is tough. I remove the bottom bolt first and then the top bolt. then the 3 tower bolts,push the shock down if needed to remove tower and then snake shock out through everything in the way.

 

[Hammer]

Removal for the driver side shock is the same as the passengers side,except you may have to imitate Gumby and bend your arm in some ways its not supposed too,LOL. Paitence is the key when navigating around all the crap in the way.



Word to the wise upon reinstallation of the new shock on that side...

Do Not cut the strap holding the gas shock compressed until you fish the tower top back into place. It make the job a whole lot easier when you need to get through all those items around it.

 

[wlowe]

Another trick is to jack up the front end, place jack stands under the frame, then lower the axle. This extends the shocks making them easier to remove and install.

 

[GHart]

Thanks for the quick reply. You're confirming my fears. I'll psych myself up and remove whatever it takes. Biggest problem is that shock top nut really stuck on and this in sunny southern Nevada. I'm soaking it in penetrating oil, and WILL get it off.

ghart

 

[Hammer]

If you do what wlowe explains by jacking the truck up and placing it on stands up in the air you should be able to remove the shocks with the tower tops in place and mess with the stubborn top shock bolts off the truck.

 

[CCiatteo]

Soak the lower shock bolts with penetrating oil and go to your local dealer and get new flag nuts, just in case. The lower bolts were a total PITA on my 97 when I did the shocks a year ago.



Here's a link to my battle royale with the lower shock bolts:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ons/211379-lower-shock-bolt-up-front-4x4.html

 

[budnate]

Soak the lower shock bolts with penetrating oil and go to your local dealer and get new flag nuts, just in case. The lower bolts were a total PITA on my 97 when I did the shocks a year ago.



Here's a link to my battle royale with the lower shock bolts:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ons/211379-lower-shock-bolt-up-front-4x4.html

Same here, I would soak well with your favorite sauce well... reach in and heat them up with a little torch and soak again to pull it into the threads over a few days before even going at them... when them muthers break and spin you are double screwed!! its not a fast job like most shocks,enjoy, lol.

 

[Bob Cochran]

A caution when I changed mine some how, I don't know how, I must have hit the connector for the ABS sensor on one front wheel. I had to replace after I finished the shock change!!!!

 

[Fireman Dave]

Another trick is to jack up the front end, place jack stands under the frame, then lower the axle. This extends the shocks making them easier to remove and install.

That's how I do it, too. Piece of cake.

 

[fest3er]

That's how I do it, too. Piece of cake.

Dave! Where you been hiding?!? We need a Chat Freaks reunion!

 

[Fireman Dave]

Hey Neal - how's it going? I've been busy with daughter getting through HS and now in first year of college. Also our Belvedere is keeping us occupied. Oh yeah, and I'm bionic now. Had a new hip put in 14 months ago. Life just keeps getting busier! Good to see you and other old "faces". Im trying not to be such a stranger. I actually went on chat one night last week - nobody home.



Dave

 

[fest3er]

... I actually went on chat one night last week - nobody home.



Dave

Was there ever?

 

[Fireman Dave]

Was there ever?

Good Point:-laf