Shocks!!!

[fire8033]

My shocks are on order, does anyone have any tips or tricks about changing them before I tackle this job????

 

[fire8033]

Thanks

Okay, I guess out of the 51 people that have reviewed my thread no one has ever had to change shocks. Thanks anyway guys.

 

[jeepit]

Spray some penetrating oil on all the nuts to help loosen them. Crank the new nuts on to recommended torque or they will rattle. May have to remove or lower spare to get the rears.

 

[Turbo Thom]

Just that they are a pain, to me. The top rear bolt on the shotgun side is the worst.



On the front, just remove the tower, and be sure to tighten the lower bolts with an impact wrench. They will rattle like crazy is not super tight.



. . Preston. .

 

[Xgunfighter]

Just did all 4 of mine. Used liq. wrench the night before. Replaced with Bilsteins from Offroad. Web site has discount for clubs (TDR) is listed for shocks.



Worst part was tightening the front shocks top. Bilstein uses a oblong stud instead of a socket type.



Big difference in ride. If you dent have a lift make sure to jack up the frame on the side you are working on in the front. Otherwise the driver side shock will not clear all the ABS stuff.



Have fun... .

 

[wyosteve]

Fire--what kind of shocks are you getting. If Bilsteins, I'll give a few tips later.

 

[fire8033]

Bilsteins

Yes Wyosteve I bought a pair of Bilsteins, it seemed like they were the way to go after reading past posts. Thanks to everyone for responding.

 

[wyosteve]

The tip for the front installation is be sure to have the correct tools. You'll need a 19mm closed/open wrench. A socket will not work. Also, and this is the biggest pain, you'll need a 6mm metric allen wrench to keep the shaft from spinning when you tighten the nut. Also, no need to remove either battery to get the towers out. The passenger side you should be able to compress the new shock to install. The driver side you better be big and strong or have a buddy or two available.

 

[Nate]

Yeah the driver's side is a royal PITA. I've got another set of shocks to put on this weekend after the Napa ones crapped out after 10,000 miles. Got Bilstien 5100s this time.



Didn't need to drop the spare for the back, and the spare is a 285/75/16 which barely fits under there. Dropping it would make it easier though.

 

[fire8033]

Okay I feel stupid for asking but what tower are you guys talking about??? I've looked and do not see what your talking about. I have also read the chiltons book and they don't mention anything about towers, help please??????????????

 

[SEmerson]

Just installed a set of Bilsteins today



A 4X2 has no towers. Just a arm to frame.

A 4X4 has towers.

 

[fire8033]

Okay one last question, can you remove the arm to get to the top of the shock on the 4x2???

 

[SEmerson]

You just undo the top nut reaching thought the wheel well. Then one bolt at the rear of the bottom a arm. Both from the wheel well. It is really easy. The only problem will be it the top nut is rusted.

 

[Bob4x4]

use air tools... ... ... ... ... ... .



Bob