How hard/easy to replace shocks?

[DannyB]

How hard/easy is it to replace shocks on a 96, 6cyl, 4WD? It seems simple! Would I need any "special" tools? Got any hints or tips??????

Thanx!

Danny

 

[rock883]

I did mine before I knew anything much about cars, and well, I jacked mine up (in front) under the radius arms, and I didn't think to use jackstands, so I had the suspension compressed upwards, and it made it hard to change them, if you were to put it on jackstands on the frame, then you wouldn't have a hard time. I also did the same mistake in the rear. I had one hell of a time putting those things in. I had to use a jack to keep the vehicle up, and then another to sort of compress the shcok and get it in the bottom mounts. But it should be easy w/ jackstands.

 

[Isles4evr]

I did the all 4 shocks in about 2 hours by my self, not knowing what i was doing and with only a wrench, socket wrench, and a vice grip. Oh yeah and a jack and jack stands with acouple pices of wood underneith of them. Very simple. I put on a set of Ranch RS5000's, and man I love them... the hardest part of the instaliation was putting the shock boot on the shocks . Pretty easy then i guess.

Chris

 

[kilroy]

Easiest shocks to replace

I must have replaced hundreds of shocks when I was a mechanic, and I must say, the Explorer shocks were the easiest. I didnt even need to jack it up, and the fronts were very accessable, I think it took 15 minutes for each axle.

 

[Isles4evr]

Show off.....


j/k
Chris

 

[kilroy]

Power tools baby!!!

ARR ARR ARR

OOH yah, luv dat power

 

[DannyB]

I just ordered the Ranchos RSX Reflex. Let's see how THEY do . . .

Thanks everyone for the info!!

I know I can... I know I can... I know I can... I know I can... I know I can... I know I can... I know I can...

 

[A91EBexplorer4x4]

how much....

how much total and for eac was it and were did you buy the RSX reflex at? did you look around alot before buying some?
thanks

 

[DannyB]

Yes A91EBexplorer4x4. I did look around. The average price I found was $50 to $60. The local Toyota dealer (authorized Rancho distributor) wanted $90 EACH! I bought them from "Offroad connecton" for $45 ea. I ordered them on 8/15 and I JUST GOT THEM TODAY!!! S/H was only $10. By the way, Is there a trick to get the rubber boot over the cross pin mountings????

Here is the link:
http://www.off-roading.com

Danny

 

[93exploder]

It will take you about an hour or more to get those things on, alot of tugging and stretching and maybe a little screwdriver ! hahaha, its a pain in the ass, my fingers were sore for days.

 

[DannyB]

You were right 93exploder! It didn't take quite one hour to put the boots on, but they sill laughing at me sitting on the chair with the shock between my legs tugging on the boot!!!!!!! HOWEVER, the shocks are on and what a difference! The side-to-side sway is gone and the ride much more stable, not stiffer but firmer. By the way, installing the shocks was a breeze!

Thanks.

 

[zavetsky]

lube it up

The key to getting those dang boots on the shocks is just like anything else....lube it up!

I use glycerine or KY Jelly (no kidding!) to lube the shock and boot a bit.....Slippery as hell....but it makes getting the boot on easier! Then just hose off the shock and you're done.....

 

[Isles4evr]

I had no problem with the front boots. Just put a little dish washing soap on it and they slid right on. The rear on was a different story, cause I had to slid it over the mount thing. The screwdriver came in handy there .

Chris