installing shocks

[99 Sport 4x4]

how difficult is it and what tools are needed to replace front and rear shocks?

Any suggestions on what shocks give a comfortable ride on a 4x4 that do not cost alot of $$$?

Any help is welcomed.

Thanks

 

[jimbo74]

shocks are relatively easy... i changed the shocks on a 4x4 f150 yesterday at work.... you basically need a decent socket set, and open end box wrenches.... well, with shocks, you normally pay for quality, but the ranchos have always been a favorite, as has gabriel vsts, edelbrock, procomps, monroe, etc

 

[99 Sport 4x4]

does rear need to be elevated on both sides at same time to change or can you elevate one side and change shock then elevate other side and change shock?

Same for the front end?

I have done this before.

 

[jimbo74]

not too sure, last time i changed them on an explorer at work, we had the whole truck in the air 6 feet.... but the f150 idid yesterday at work, i changed them all 1 by 1 laying on the floor, the truck wasnt supported by any jacks at all.... i did turn the wheels though when working on the fronts..... really, the hardest part was getting the shock boots over the shock body then having to ziptie it on there....

 

[Alec]

Fronts you just take off the wheelwell skirt and do it. Sometimes it helps to jack each front wheel up but you don't have to. For the rear, I think we did it with the truck on the ground. You will need to lower the spare, but overall it's very easy. Takes time, but it is easy.

 

[Robb]

It helps to have the rear jacked and frame supported by jackstands. Take the spare off. You will have 2 small bolts at the top and one big one at the bottom.

Robb

edit: Just like Alec said.........he beat me to it

 

[jimbo74]

yeah, forgot about the spare tire... that f150 i worked on was lifted with 32s, so fitting under it was nt to hard.... and the spare tire was up high... heh, i didnt even notice it, maybe it didnt have a spare?

 

[99 Sport 4x4]

thanks for the info everybody.

 

[tbomb]

hartman did a write up in the useful threads forum. thats the only documentation i used when i installed my shocks a month ago.

 

[ToneDog]

What are the most comforatble (easy riding) shock around?
I need to do something about this ride! It's like a rock! I know what your all gonna say it's a truck, it's a truck but I was just in a friends Jeep GC '03 and let me tell you that I was pissed when I got back in my ride to find how much harsher the ride was than the GC.
and it's a truck too. (so that "it's a truck thing" is bull)

Not only the ride but the cabin to street noise was great! I've gotta go out and get the whole cabin dynomatt'd or something!

Just venting thanks,
ToneDog
('98 SOHC 55k 4.10LS Stock)

 

[Hartman]

Dead Link Removed