Hey all,
As stated in an earlier post, I'm going to be replacing my rear shocks in a couple weeks. I was just curious if it's as straight forward as my Haynes manual says it is. Jack it up, put it on jack stands, remove wheels, then jack up the axle to relieve the droop on the shocks, unbolt screws, and replace with new shocks. Installation is reverse of removal.
I was planning on getting some PB Blaster to help convince the nuts to come off. Other than all this, is there anything else I'm missing? Any advice would be much appreciated.Thanks.

 

you don't even need to jack it up and take the wheels off. seriously.

 

Seriously? That would be nice. I know it's sounds like a dumb newb question...but in my experience over the years, every car is a bit different. The main reason I ask is due to the level of wastedness of the shocks...both are pretty rotted and one of 'em is leaking all over the place.
Thanks for the reply and the info.

 

Yeah all you gotta do for the front is loosen two bolts on the lower shock bar pin retainers on the axle, and undo the bolt for the upper shock mount which is located in the engine bay.

For the rear, undo the bolt on the lower shock mount and undo the bolt on the upper shock mount. It's pretty simple.

To save some time and money however, get a set of Bar Pin Eliminators for the front lower shock mounts. They go for about $20 a set and save you tons of hassle. I broke a bar pin wheelin one time and I'm sure tons of other people have done the same as they are a poor design.

Good luck man

 

I always hit the upper bolts with an impact gun and tighten first, then loosen. This breaks the rust loose and helps prevent bolt breakage.

 

Hi, im gona replace mine to, but what is Bar Pin Eliminators ??

 

The front lower shock mounts on an XJ utilize a bar pin and retaining peice.
Here's a picture of a bar pin when removed from a mounting point on a shock.


They are very easy to break. By using a bar pin eliminator, you get a thicker sized bolt to go through the shock mounting point. The bolt then goes through a bracket that replaces your retaining peice. It is a lot stronger and less prone to damage.

Here's a place that sells them online.
http://zoneoffroad.com/product-acc?ki=92

 

for shocks I just replace them on the vehicle as it sits... I have never jacked them up...


but one hint, use a lubricant to slide the bushings/bar pins in, I just use household butter believe it or not.... it is hot enough here to where any extra melts away and it is the best thing I have used.

BPE's are a great investment as well.


if you keep the bar pins, get a socket just big enough for the bar pin to sit in and place the bar pin in it and set it on the ground.

then take your shock with the bushing installed and press it over the bar pin. it should slide in with a bit of force.

 

ok, thanx

 

You don't need to worry about bar pin elimitators if you're not going to do any serious off roading. If the rest of the suspension is stock, just install the shocks and be done with it.

 

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ducts_id=72498

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...ducts_id=72497

 

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it. I'll definitely keep the bar pin eliminators in mind when I go to do the front shocks.

 

There are bar pins on the rear also....

 

Not on a ZJ, there is a stud at the top and a through bolt at the bottom. The XJ has a bar pin at the top.

 

Oh Snap! I posted in the Grand Cherokee forum?!?!



I feel so dirty now......