Monroe Reflex Installation

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Oct 23, 2004 | 01:59 PM

mightypizu

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Monroe Reflex Installation

Hi,
I am replacing my OE shocks (96 FE 4.0 4WD) with Monroe Reflex (currently doing the front) but I'm not sure how to hold the shock in place so I can torque the top nut (sort of a place for a open-end wrench but it's a tight fit). Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Oct 24, 2004 | 12:40 PM

mightypizu

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Well, fyi, this was a 2 man job...I held the shock and I had a friend torque it (it was only 35 ft-lbs or so anyway but monroe could've made a better nut for an open end wrench). Tried tackling the rears...bottom nuts are frozen and tops are hard to get at...guess 1 for 2 ain't bad...gonna get a mechanic to do the rears.

Oct 25, 2004 | 08:14 AM

mason

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Rears are easier than the fronts, I think. Use penetrating oil for a few days before you try and remove. I like PBlaster but others work well, I'm sure. Removal of the spare tire makes getting to the top bolts much easier.

Mason

Oct 25, 2004 | 12:28 PM

ajguzik

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Access thru the fender skirt

Large diameter hex nut at the top of the OEM shock body can be accessed through the fender skirt. I dremelled off the drivers side top nut before I thought to look in the wheel well. Penetrating oil for a few days is a must. Remove the spare before attempting the rears for access to the top nuts.

Oct 25, 2004 | 02:31 PM

mightypizu

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Thanks for the advice. Took some work for the rear bottoms (all the strength I could muster) but I got them off (broke 1 out of 2 bolts). Used a longer flexible ratchet for the rear tops plus removed the spare. Time to think about investing in a compressor and impact wrench.