Looking for new shocks

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 20, 2007 | 10:04 PM

#31

bobbylh

Junior User

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 83

Likes: 0

Well I got the rear shocks changed, and it was fairly simple.

When trying to change the fronts, I loosened the shock nut and three nuts around it, jacked up the truck, removed tire, but there still seemed to be a lot of pressure on the spring. I went to autozone and got the spring compressor, and tried that, but still seemed like a lot of pressure. I had to turn both of them a 1/4 turn at a time. There isn't much room to use these things. I couldn't budge the spring at all. My question is what will happen to the spindle when I unbolt the upper control arm? I guess I'm worried that it will fold or slam down and mess up my brake lines, or my arms. Do I need to support it somehow?
I put it back together, and the rear shocks did help the bounce, but I would like to try them fronts next weekend.

Thanks

May 20, 2007 | 10:49 PM

#32

73mach1

Senior User

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 392

Likes: 0

From: CSofA

you do not have to undo the control arm if you do you will need to have a front alignment done if your going to do that just pay some place to replace them for you. that big o spring is under a lot of pressure and can be dangerous it can come out and break bones

May 21, 2007 | 12:24 AM

#33

MeanGene1

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 81

Likes: 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbylh

I used the spring compressor method, but from what I have been able to gather. You have your truck supported with the front wheel off, you also have to have a jack under the lower control arm with some pressure on it. You need to remove the upper control arm nut so that the lower control arm can move down enough for the spring to become uncompressed and removable, this means that the center nut from the shock has been removed. I don't think anything can go wrong if you ensure that the spring has lost all compression while lowering the jack.

That is using the "on the truck" method. If you have a spring compressor. Make absolutely sure that that center nut is on and tight and remove the entire shock assembly with spring, you will need to seperate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle in order to have enough room to remove the shock assembley. Then use the spring compressor on the bench and follow the instructions that comes with the shocks.

Last edited by MeanGene1; May 21, 2007 at 12:28 AM.

May 21, 2007 | 07:00 AM

#34

mbogosia

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 546

Likes: 0

BWEP,

Did you notice a nice improvement with your Add A Leaf? I might be the exception, but after I had an Add A Leaf installed my handling has improved tremendously. I can take corners like I am on rails and over bumps the truck skips much less.

May 21, 2007 | 08:48 AM

#35

bwep

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 314

Likes: 16

From: northeast

add-a-leaf and shocks

I also thought my ride and handling improved with the add-a-leaf. The skyjacker add-a-leaf was advertised as 1-1/2 ride increase but turns out to be more like 2". It might be in my head now but I think the trucks handling over bumps now has declined making me think that the shocks are on there way out. Maybe with the leaf and 2" auto spring the stock shocks might not be long enough for the added increase in suspension travel. Seems most noticeable on hiway. Well the trucks at 35,000 looks like I’m going to spend some money, brakes and shocks are on my list followed by my tire upgrade. So far all my upgrades have made the truck more fun to drive and I’m sure these will improve fun factor also. BWEP

May 21, 2007 | 02:39 PM

#36

tdister

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 1,921

Likes: 0

From: central TX

yeah, look into something a little heavier duty for the shock. Your stiffer spring set-up is going to need a heavier shock to keep everything tamed.

It does depend on what it's doing though, as to whether the shocks will smooth the ride. Is it just stiffer or are you getting excessive/more bounce?

May 21, 2007 | 04:46 PM

#37

bwep

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 314

Likes: 16

From: northeast

I would describe it more as a side to side motion at hi-way speeds. Truck did not seem to stiffen at all with the add-a-leaf. For six months rode better than stock now it’s seems to be a little off. I will go with a heaver shock when I replace them. Just still on the fence if I’m going to spend the extra on the bilstiens or go with the ranchos.