shock towers

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Jul 24, 2009 | 10:05 AM

Cdy1

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shock towers

i changed the shock towers on my bronco about a month ago... and now when you turn it makes a thump... is there a special way to seat the springs back in?

Jul 25, 2009 | 02:22 AM

greystreak92

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From: Gateway to the West

Shock towers on both my 92 and 93 had small clips that bolt down to hold the spring into the top of the tower. At full articulation, without these, you run the risk of the spring simply slipping out from under the tower. Assuming when you replaced the shock towers you didn't remove the springs from the axle the lower mountings should be intact. There really isn't anything else to hold the springs in.

Jul 27, 2009 | 12:09 AM

Cdy1

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i did remove the springs... what should i check for on the lower mountings?

Jul 27, 2009 | 12:46 PM

greystreak92

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From: Gateway to the West

The lower mountings have a large ring that goes onto the stud in the center of the spring. The stud holds the end of the radius arm as well as this ring. It holds the bottom of the spring in place on the axle. Make certain the nut is tightened down to the proper torque specs. These components get some serious pressure exerted on them.

Jul 29, 2009 | 01:40 PM

Cdy1

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i checked the tq. on the lower mountings.. is where it should be... there is about an 1/8in gap between the washer and the spring tho...

Jul 29, 2009 | 09:55 PM

greystreak92

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From: Gateway to the West

That is not uncommon though and has never presented any particular issues with front end noise for me. If the upper clamp on the shock tower is also in place, you might check the orientation of the spring in the tower to be certain it is fully seated (no gap between the tower and the spring itself). Make certain you take any load off the spring before attempting to adjust anything. (I know this is pretty obvious to anyone who has worked on this part of the truck but a lot of people read these things and its good to make sure its been said before someone hurts his or herself).