Replacing Shocks

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Nov 21, 2005 | 08:34 AM

BlueOval5.0

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 683

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From: Long Island, New York

Replacing Shocks

I searched this forum for some suggestions on replacing the shocks on my '98 XLT AWD with 80k on the clock. The truck seems to bottom out over bumps now.

It seems the most popular shock is the Monroe so I'll go with those.

As far as installation is concerned, I'm kind of a novice at this kind of stuff but am going to try to do it myself. From what I've read here, it doesn't seem overly difficult. Should I take the wheels off to make the job easier? What about dropping the spare, is it necessary?

Any suggestions on spraying some type of penetrant on the rusted bolts?

Thanks,
Eric

Nov 21, 2005 | 07:56 PM

bulldog3531

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 279

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From: Jacksonville, NC

Spray WD40 or something of that nature the day before let it soak real well.Dropping the spare is not necessary but gives you a more room to work with the upper bolts on the rear. Removing the fronts wheels will give you plenty of room and it is easier to work. Hope this helps you.

Nov 22, 2005 | 07:56 AM

ajguzik

Junior User

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 71

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Do drop the spare

Drop the spare and spray all the nuts/bolts with a good penetrating oil. Shock replacement is pretty straight forward. I never removed the wheels to change mine.

Nov 26, 2005 | 07:22 PM

98xlt

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 190

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From: Las Vegas, NV

Dropping the spare makes the rear ones much easier to change out. I also didn't remove the front wheels, although I did turn them hard to one side to create more access to the nuts.

Nov 26, 2005 | 07:38 PM

vicv

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Joined: Jan 2004

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I removed the front wheels and dropped the spare. Since I'm poking around in there already I like to look around at the stuff I don't normally get to see. Check the front brake pads, look for rubbing, rust, anything out of the ordinary.

Nov 26, 2005 | 08:45 PM

gman88

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 157

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Don't waste your time with WD40, use PB Blaster for your penetrating oil. I have used it to remove many rusted components on 20 year old rusted vehicles from Minnesota road salt. It has not let me down yet.