How to Replace Rear Shocks!

The penetrating oil should have thoroughly seeped in by now. So grab a ratchet wrench and a rail full of sockets, some combination wrenches, locking pliers, slip-joint pliers, a diagonal cutter and a pry bar, and go to work. You probably won’t need each tool, but grabbing them all at once saves you trips back to the toolbox. Loosen the bottom shock bolt with the ratchet and combination wrenches, unscrew the nut and slide out the bolt. You may need to nudge the shock’s bottom eye out of its mount with the pry bar, especially if things have gotten rusty. With a threaded-stem bottom mount, unscrew the nut(s), pull the washer and bushing and lift (compress) the bottom of the shock absorber out of its mount. Use the locking or slip-joint pliers to hold the tip of the stem while loosening the nut(s) with the combination wrench.

Getting to the top shock mount on a full-size van or pickup may not be a picnic. Sometimes it’s buried between the frame rail and gas tank or the spare tire. Regardless, you’ll usually find a shoulder bolt or fully threaded bolt up there. You may even find a threaded stem with one or two nuts, in which case you’ll probably need more penetrant. The threaded-stem internal-type upper mount will be clean and look new. Simply clamber inside the vehicle, unscrew the nut(s), lift the washer and bushing and let the shock drop out. You’re now halfway home. Plain ol’ hydraulic shocks simply need to be fitted at the top and bottom mounts. Lube up the hardware with antiseize compound and put it all back together. Gas-charged shock absobers require a little planning–actually aiming–before installation. Typically, the bottom is mounted first. Then, while aiming the top eye or stem toward its destination, cut the nylon strap and let the shock rise to the occasion. Depending on the application, the top may be secured first and the bottom mount directed home under gas pressure. You’ll have to use common sense.

If cramped working conditions prohibit the synchronized installation of the second mounting bolt just as the gas shock’s mount eye reaches its bolt hole, here’s a little trick you can use. Hold the pointy end of your pry bar at the ready. As the monroe shocks eye meets the hole, ram the pry bar tip through the hole in the frame to engage the shock eye. Reposition your body to get more leverage. Then, hold the shock in position with one hand and pull out the pry bar with the other. Quickly insert the mounting bolt with your free hand and let up on the shock. Lube all the threads and make sure all the fasteners are snug. Then take your chariot for a test spin and enjoy the ride.