Shock Replacement Tips

[gijoecam]

I'll be changing the shocks on my '98 Sport this Saturday. Any tips or suggestions that make the job easier? I've done it twice before and both times were a pain in the rear! Any tips that will make the job easier will be very helpful!

-Joe

 

[gijoecam]

Nevermind....
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63697
my dumb rear should have looked at the list of useful threads first.

Still getting used to the "new" look of the site. Was gone for a while due to lack of time.

-Joe

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Are you replacing the shocks on the ground or with a lift? If you had a lift, it isn't difficult at all.

-Drew

 

[TheJMan]

When I did the shocks on my Mountaineer a few months ago, I was able to do the rears without jacking it up. However, I did need to jack up the front end, which made the shocks fit much easier. If you have a good quality floor jack, I recommend jacking up the rear rather high, and then putting jackstands under the frame. This will allow the rear end to "drop", and it is much easier to put on the rear shocks. I also recommend wearing eye protection, as there will be lots of dirt and grime that will be dislodged during the shock removal. Not really much more advice, other than the rear bolts are rather difficult to get to, but just be patient removing them.

 

[rscamaro73]

Just curious as to the 5th shock on top of the pumpkin......WTF is that for and how often does THAT need changing ??

 

[BradE.]

Just curious as to the 5th shock on top of the pumpkin......WTF is that for and how often does THAT need changing ??

It's a steering stabilizer, change it whenever you replace your rear shocks.

 

[MONMIX]

have a can of PB blaster near by and all should be good and dandy

 

[Blee1099]

There is a useful thread on replacing all 4 shocks in the Useful thread section of this forum.. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97412