jeffh

What's up guys! Awesome forum here, lots of great info but I'm having trouble finding basic info on replacing shocks.
I'm a bit confused about this because some sources I've found suggest that you use a jack and jack stands while others don't mention it at all.
It seems like an easy task but I'm not sure. Easy tasks can get tricky real fast!!
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

no rdplz

No jack or stands needed. Lots of Pb Blaster is though - especially on the top bolts in the rear as they tend to break. It's an easy job though. Just take a week and spray down the bottom bolts and nuts on the fronts and all the bolts/nuts for the rears every day.
Fronts:
Remove the 2 bolts and nuts that hold the bottom of the shock on.
Open the hood and remove the nut from the shock spindle.
Remove the shock
Install the new shock
Put in the bottom bolts and nuts.
Put the nut on the top spindle and tighten until the poly bushing is flexed out to the edge of the washer plate.

Rears:
Remove the top 2 bolts. If they break, you'll need to drill out the bolts.
Remove the nut holding the the bottom of the shock to the axle.
Put in the new shock.
Put on the bottom nut
Put in the top bolts

And you're done.

dukie564

fronts will be easy
rears will be a royal PITA, especially if the top studs snap, which they probably will. I broke 3/4 bolts when i did mine. Air chisel works wonders to break the welded nuts. Be prepared with new grade 8 bolts and nuts.

jeffh

Thanks guys
That info is really helpful.
I looked at the shocks I want to install and out of the box they come with a plastic strap keeping them compressed. Do I take the strap off the shock before or after the it's installed?

Thanks

no rdplz

Install the bottom of the fronts then remove the strap
Install the top of the rears then remove the strap

jeffh

Thanks for all the info guys.
I'm gonna give the front end a try this weekend. I'm installing Monroe Sensa-trac w/ an extended length of 21.13". A 2" lift will come a little later.

jeffh

So I got the front shocks put on and the difference is night and day. Tomorrow is the front alignment.