Removing rear shocks

[kensmith]

I am going to replace the front and rear shocks. From what I have read for the rear, You jack up the rear end assembly with a floor jack. Then remove the nut on the top of both shocks. Put jack stands under the rear sub-frame on both sides. Then lower the rear end. Then with a pry bar, remove the springs prying it from the pockets. Then remove the lower bolt and the shocks. Then reverse the process to install the new shocks. Correct?

[mostlytwowheeled]

That's pretty much what I did. It took a little time but was not too bad of a job.

[bobplyler]

You may need to unhook the link for the brake compensator. That lets the rear end drop easier.

[manoa matt]

Just be careful not to over stress the center rear rubber brake line.

[Schnauzer]

Just did mine a couple of weeks ago. You have pretty much got it but forget the pry bar stuff. Disconnect the panhard from the passenger side. You will be able to lower the axle enough to easily get the springs out. By having the extra room you can easily re-install the springs and rotate them to seat them in the upper and lower perches. The rotation is indexed. Once in the proper position raise the banjo enough to put tension on the one installed. With the panhard out you can push down on the other side enough to get the second one in and indexed. No prying, springs flying, or pinched fingers plus you make certain the springs are seated properly in the perches.

Jim

[baltobernie]

Don't forget the Denise Diverter, a rag stuffed into the opening, to keep you from losing your wrench, ratchet or socket down the hole From Which There Is No Return

[kensmith]

Don't forget the Denise Diverter, a rag stuffed into the opening, to keep you from losing your wrench, ratchet or socket down the hole From Which There Is No Return

I wish all tools had some magnetic properties. I can't tell you how many nuts and bolts I have lost in cars over the years.

[4uall]

Thanks to all of you

Bought Fiona some new KYB Excel - G's for the rear





Use a 14mm to loosen top nut on rear shocks



Be sure to stuff a rag in the pit of despair



Remove drivers side pan hard rod 24 mm nut



Jack up one side to lower the other



Spring and shock removed



New shock installed and spring easily seated



1 knuckle bleeder out of 10

[courtenay]

Great pics, Jay. Makes jobs like this so much easier.

[4uall]

Thanks Bruce. Being a visual learner myself I thought this might help others

Next job will be rad and hose replacement

[rlux4]

I have my rear end out and on the floor waiting for our trip up to Napa to get the replacement from Dave Voss. I'm also replacing the shocks, installing Mark's compenstor bypass hose (mine's had a minor leak for a while), cleaning and painting everything while it's all apart. Taking the rear end out completely made the shock removal a LOT easier. LOL
Your pic of the bloody thumb reminds me of the time I was taking a seal out of an axle with an awl. It slipped and stabbed me in the hand not holding the awl. Went in at the base of the nail, and came out the other side. Nasty little wound with all the grease and dirt on the tool.
Ron

[Weelan]

This is suuuuper helpful. I finished mine up this morning before work. I guess I'm pretty addicted. I would note that at least for me, even with this trick you will still be using a decent amount of muscle to get the springs back on. Maybe it was just me though and hopefully it's easier for everyone else. Maybe this has to do with my minor difficulties, I actually undid the passenger side of the panhard like the text says, but the picture shows the driver side undone. Either way, I got them in and I'm soooo excited! I just have to put the wheels back on so I can finish bolting everything together.

Thank you Jay!! You're a life saver. Oh, and I managed all this with 0 bloody knuckles.

[4uall]

Ryan, it gives me a great satisfaction that I have been able to help

P.S. photo edited

[djape1977]

using heavy duty welders gloves helps in the procedure, and having a fat friend nearby is helpfull too

[Weelan]

I can verify this works the second time around too.

I forgot the bottom rubber bushings...