Shock question
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Shock question
Ok, help a dummy out here. I have two expy's. A 97 eddie and a 99 XLT model. I bought front and rear shocks for the 97 but was unable to remove the old shocks from the vehicle. It appeared that the actual lower mounting bolts were welded onto the frame work of the vehicle. I eventually gave up trying figuring I would just a shop to do the installation for me. Well life got in the way and it never got done. I was working on the 99 front brakes the other day and thought I would install these shocks on that vehicle instead since the bolts were not welded on per say. I was able to remove the old shocks, but then the problem came in. I was unable to compress the shocks enough and keep them compressed enough to get them mounted in the mounting holes. Is there something I was doing wrong or is there another tool I need for this task. Or is it just that the shocks are not interchangeable between the 99 and 97. The shocks are Gabriels and the rear ones came with a retaining wire wrapped around the shock keeping them compressed until they were installed then you simply cut the wire loose. Any help anyone can share would be great. Thanks, Tommy.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 292
Likes: 3
I assume both are 2wd , if they are the shocks are fully interchangable front and rear between both . As for the the compression of the shocks you just have to push them into place and then very quickly get the bolts in place while holding them there .
The bolts are welded to the lower control arms on the front (2wd) only but the nuts should come off with help of a good penatrating oil like pb blaster or deep creep .
Dont use WD40 it is a good lube but not a good penertrate. I hope this helps good luck
The bolts are welded to the lower control arms on the front (2wd) only but the nuts should come off with help of a good penatrating oil like pb blaster or deep creep .
Dont use WD40 it is a good lube but not a good penertrate. I hope this helps good luck
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
They are both 4wd. I tried everything possible to keep the shock compressed enough to get them on the bolts but with the angle it was just virtually impossible, lol. The bolts were not welded on the 99 but seemed to be on the 97 which is why I never removed the old from the 97.
Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for the advice.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
I had the same problem on my Super Duty when I put on my new Donahoe shocks. I dont' know if I was just extremely weak that day or what, but I could not keep the rear shocks compressed enough to get them mounted. I ended up using a jack to compress the shock and then that would get me close enough that I could wiggle it in. This was the 2nd set of shocks I put on this truck and this was the first time I had this problem. I probably spent over an hour on the rear two shocks. I tried pry bars, the strap that held them compressed, bench pressing the shock, everything...finally the floor jack method worked. You might need to let the suspension droop a little to help you further.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Been there, done that already, lol. Dropped the rear end down with the tire removed so much that the brake rotor was resting on the floor, lol. Tried floor jack too. And this set of front shocks did not come with the compressing wire attached to them like the rear shocks did.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sfc2001
2007 - 2014 Expedition & Navigator
22
May 9, 2023 02:36 PM
bismic
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
50
Jun 26, 2018 08:47 AM
