How do you install rear shocks?

[jagarundi]

How Do All,

I have a 98 XLT AWD. The ride is absolutely horrible. I had some Monroe shocks installed on the front by some mechanics who I don't ever want to touch my truck again. I'd like to put the shocks in the back on myself. How do I do it? Please explain it to me as if you're talking to a child.

Thank You

 

[CodePoet]

It's really not difficult. Just nut and bolt at the bottom of the shock. There's also a nut at the top of the shock (once you get under the truck you'll see the mouning plate/crossmember, if you just feel around on top of that crossmember you'll find the nut. I found it's better if you put your wrench on the nut, and turn the shock once it's broken loose. Might be rusty and difficult to remove the bolt...we had to use an angle grinder to get the shock out of mine. Hope that helps!

Later
CP

 

[CodePoet]

OOPS should clarify the top nut came off fine...the bottom nut and bolt was the PITA

Later
CP

 

[frickea86]

yea.....i know what u mean man....mine were rusted solid on thier....all i did was spray some liquid rench and let the air gun go at it, it eventually came off......air guns are nice..... ....hope ya get them off ok...

adam

 

[Robb]

Removal:
1) Remove spare tire
2) Remove two nuts and bolts at top of shock (1/2 or 13mm head if memory serves)
3) Remove big nut at the bottom of shock

Installation is reverse of Removal

 

[X~FACTOR]

If it isn't too cold outside to work on the truck I would invite you to bring your truck over and I could show you how. If you want wait until Spring time when the weather hits 65 degrees again. If you could wait that long give me a PM.

 

[y3kbuddy]

while we're on the subject, is the process about the same for the front? how do you know when they need to be changed? Explorers are rough so i dont know when i need changing.

 

[SkyJumper]

Yeah I agree with Rob, it is much easier to remove the rear shocks with the spare tire down and away. It took me longer to install the rear shocks than to do the whole suspension lift. And you can tell sometimes if the shocks are back by 1- bounce on the rear bumper and see if it bounces considerably up and down with out stiffness, or 2- look at the shocks and see if there is some wetness on the inner tube and wet or dry dirt accumulated on the tube, meaning the fluid is leaking from the shaft seals, and 3- does your truck bottom out when hitting bumps or drastic turns does it lean real bad.