im doing my front shocks got some shocks from a buddy who didnt use them, but his did not come with the "little bracket" that goes inside the rubber end to screw onto the XJ....any tips on how to get the old ones out and then slip them into the new ones? iv tried a couple things wanna see if others have done this

 

I use the bench vise at the shop to press them in and out. Set it in the vise so the end of the bracket is being pressed with the jaw and position the shock so that the other jaw is just below where it will come out the other side. Use some grease on the bracket and bushing when pressing them back in so you don't damage the bushing.

 

that is what i ended up doing without even reading your post...thanks!