Rear Shock Removal?

[ChrisW]

You guys have been so helpfull that I have another one for you.
I want to try to replace my front and rear shocks before I go over to Paragon next month. The front looks really easy as long as you soak the bolts for a day or so with lubricant. What I cannot figure out is the rear. Where the top of the shock bolts to the frame/spare tire support it looks like a rod through the top of the shock that has been flattened on both ends with a threaded rivet through each end with the rivets being bolted to the frame/spare tire support. It looks like it would be easy to remove the shocks but I don't know how you would get the rivets out and then get the flattened bar out of the top of the shock. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you replace you rear shocks? Please help. I do not want to take them apart if I am not going to be able to replace them.

Thanks in advance.
ChrisW

 

[mattb]

From my knowledge, all you need is a 18mm socket to get the rear shocks out. Drop the spare tire down and there is one nut at the top and one at the bottom. Just undo the nuts and then remove the shock.

[This message has been edited by mattb (edited 03-24-99).]

 

[Scott Bosso]

ChrisW,

Your new shocks will have the flattened bar in them when you buy them. All you need to do is remove the 2 bolts holding each end of this bar to free the top end of the shock. Installation is just as easy. It might help to remove the spare tire - you will have more room to move around.


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Scott
sjbosso@mindspring.com

 

[ChrisW]

Thanks for the info Scott. I have not had a chance to get out and look at the new ones (that I plan to buy) yet and I was worried that I would have to try to get the flattened bar out of my old ones. That does not look like it will work very well at all. I hear everyone talking about the edlebrock and rancho 9000's and such, but for right not that is too rich for my blood. Anyone try some nice gabrial gas shocks for about $25 each. This is probably what I will have to get unless someone knows of others for $30 or $35 each. I just cannot afford $70 each right now.

Thanks again,
ChrisW

 

[Kampy]

Chris, 4WParts wholesalers have shocks on sale all the time. I have a set of Explorer Pro Comp ES9000 's on my ranger and I like them. Pro comp just warrantied the rear ones for leaking and didn't give me any static at all. $125.00 gets you 4 new shocks and shipping is free right now .

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Kampy

 

[F'in Bob]

Chris, the only mods I had to make when I changed my shocks were to twist the bar on one end of the shock so it would lay flat on the attachment point. Other than that, it is straight forward.

 

[Scott Bosso]

ChrisW,

I just happen to have a set of slightly used but still working (and guaranteed) RS5000s I could sell you. The rears are standard length, the fronts are 2" longer than stock (to accomodate a lift). I have since installed 4" inch longer than stock RS9000s, but the RS5000s are in great shape.

If you are interested, let me know.


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Scott
sjbosso@mindspring.com

 

[ChrisW]

Scott,

Will the front fit on my stock suspension since they are 2" longer? I have a 3" body lift but have not raised the suspension yet. It looks like the RS5000's are about $35-40 each. What would you want for all 4? (as long as the front will work for me)

You can either reply here or e-mail me.
Thanks,
ChrisW

 

[Scott Bosso]

ChrisW,

I think the front shocks will fit - let me check my Rancho catalog tonight. It has a listing of min/max lengths of the shocks.

As to a price, I was thinking about $25.00 each, plus shipping. How does that sound to you? I have brand new boots (I don't use shock boots), and the lower mounts have urethane bushings.

I'll try to email you tonight or first thing tomorrow morning.


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Scott
sjbosso@mindspring.com

 

[ChrisW]

I do not work tomorrow and don't have internet access at home so I will not get to read your responce until Sunday when I come into work. The price sounds good. Any Idea what shipping will be to Dayton Ohio? I would like UPS that will get them here in a week or less if they will fit.

Thanks,
ChrisW

 

[Scott Bosso]

Chris,

I checked the length of the front shocks - the minimum length is just over 2" longer than the minimum length of the stock shock. You'll need to look at your front suspension to see if the longer shock will limit your compression travel. I can't even give you a ballpark idea, as my trucks do not have factory suspension any more.

If the front shocks turn out to be too long, I will sell you the rears if you are interested.


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Scott
sjbosso@mindspring.com