2001 4WD ST Rear Shock Replacement tips

[Team Chepsk8]

after 200K Miles and 12 years, I'm going to cahnge the rear shocks. They bang over bumps, and the back end bounces.

Took a look and things up top look rather confined. Any tips, special tools, preferred methods, etc?

 

[FLTRAC]

If you haven't drop the rear tire, it will be easier and give you more room.

 

[Trackerforsport]

I used a wrench easiest way

 

[Dan95-5.0]

I just dropped the spare. it was pretty easy actually. I did all 4 and didn't even jack up the truck

 

[OffTrac]

If this question is also a search for a reason to buy a new tool, a flex head ratcheting wrench is helpful.

 

[swshawaii]

Ditto. 13mm flex head ratcheting wrench and lot's of penetrant. Drivers rear top bolt can be a PITA without one.

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-99...id=1383243820&sr=1-1&keywords=gearwrench+9913

 

[krispy97xlt]

I also found that removing the evap canister (box with a bunch of tubes going in and out of it) made reaching the bolts a bit easier.

I used a gear wrench (non flex head). It was kind of a PITA. I did that one first and the rest were cake.

 

[mustang6878]

PB blaster penatrating oil and a propane torch (aka "the windy wrench) will persuade those 13 year old bolts!

 

[Galactica]

Is it true that a lot of guys are running Monroe Sensatrac shocks on stock ST's for the best ride?

 

[swshawaii]

Is it true that a lot of guys are running Monroe Sensatrac shocks on stock ST's for the best ride?

How do you define "best ride?" If you want comfort and a soft ride SensaTrac's are superb on the ST. In terms of handling are mediocre at best. Excessive front brake dive, corner lean, and slow rebound. Despite their weaknesses, SensaTrac's are perfectly suited for my style of driving and I haven't found a more comfortable riding shocks after four years.

 

[Galactica]

Well it's my wife's ride, so comfort is where it's at. Sounds like it will be the right choice for us.

 

[Galactica]

So just ordered a set of sensatrac's for the front and the Monroe air shocks for the rear. 101 bucks for all 4 and I'll have the ability to pump the rears up and down with load. I had almost gotten the higher end coil spring shocks for the rear, but the air shocks should ride better and I can crank 150psi in them if I ever tow or haul anything heavy. Nothing but positive reviews about the air shocks and for 60 bucks I figured what the hell.

 

[swshawaii]

Sounds like a great combination and price for your Trac. Good thing you researched the SensaTrac 58617 Load Adjust shocks as they are known to be very firm like the Rancho RS5000 Series. I'm surprised more people don't use air shocks.

 

[01STrunner]

That's the exact shock setup I had before I did my SAS/SOA. I loved having the air shocks and being able to adjust the pressure to whatever I needed since I towed and hauled a lot. For reference, I kept them at about 70 psi with an empty load. I like a little firmer ride though.

 

[Galactica]

That's the exact shock setup I had before I did my SAS/SOA. I loved having the air shocks and being able to adjust the pressure to whatever I needed since I towed and hauled a lot. For reference, I kept them at about 70 psi with an empty load. I like a little firmer ride though.

Nice! Exactly what I wanted to hear and exactly what I am thinking as well. I doubt I will be doing a SAS, but there is a good chance we may end up towing a trailer or hauling a dual sport in the back (not sure yet whether I can get a dual sport in there...lol)

 

[01STrunner]

You can always pick up a bed extender. They're always up for sale. Hopefully you'll be as happy as I was.