Install new shocks--any tips?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 489
Likes: 1
Install new shocks--any tips?
I want to install new Monro sensatrac all the way around. Mine are pretty rust looking(don't know how old) and I can only think this would improve the ride (mostly a daily driver with light hauling).
I've done struts on imports many a time, but haven't done plain old american shocks before. I'm assuming I don't need to jack it up and I only have to remove the two nuts and pull em out. The nuts/bolts look rusty, but workable with a little PBR Blaster.
Any tips before I do it? Do replacement shocks come with new mounting bolts and is there any rubber bushings that I need/should purchase while I'm doing this? I've heard good things about the sensa tracs.
thanks
I've done struts on imports many a time, but haven't done plain old american shocks before. I'm assuming I don't need to jack it up and I only have to remove the two nuts and pull em out. The nuts/bolts look rusty, but workable with a little PBR Blaster.
Any tips before I do it? Do replacement shocks come with new mounting bolts and is there any rubber bushings that I need/should purchase while I'm doing this? I've heard good things about the sensa tracs.
thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Bushings and hardware should already be included in the package. Compared to struts, the job is very easy. The top mounts on the fronts take a slightly oddball wrench size as I remember.
Jim
Jim
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 0
You will reuse on the rear shock the lower bolts and upper nuts on the front you will reuse the lower bolts and a new upper nut is supplied. You don't have to raise the vehicle unless clearance is an issue with your getting under the truck. Only tip bring a breaker bar and I would put some penetrating oil on the nuts bolts a day in advance a couple of times as they will be tight. Just this last weekend I snapped one of the lower bolts trying to get it loose. the upper nut on the front shock is a normal size 1/2 wrench or something around there in a standard size or was so in my case use the longest one you have as a socket in my case couldn't be put on it. I put a pair of vice grip on the shock itself to loosen the upper nut as the entire shock wants to turn you can put a wrench on it if you have one thin enough. Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 1
From: AK
I just changed my shocks out this past weekend. The top nut on the front shocks are fun! A ratchet w/deep socket won't fit so you'll have to use a wrench for most of it... Size was 9/16"
Everything else is pretty easy... rear shocks should only take like 10 mins a side.
I installed Pro Comp ES9000 shocks... waaaay better than the Rancho RS 5000s I had on. Good luck & have fun
Everything else is pretty easy... rear shocks should only take like 10 mins a side.
I installed Pro Comp ES9000 shocks... waaaay better than the Rancho RS 5000s I had on. Good luck & have fun
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Got the same shocks on a special w/free installation at Sears...otherwise i would have done the job myself. $32.99 a piece x 6 (dual front shocks). I was concerned that the sensa-trac would be too soft but they are great! Towed a 6 x 12' u-haul 3000 miles and they performed real well. The wifey likes them much better than the stock setup. Ride is firm enough ... no complaints at all.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Trucker22
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
6
Apr 9, 2008 09:55 AM
whiteyfordzx5
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jun 29, 2006 06:35 AM
