KnightFiyah

Hey guys. I purchased some rear shocks for my 1993 4Runner and have no idea how to install them lol. I just know my Runner needs them badly. I swear the car shakes like an earthquake whenever I hit some sort of bump or what have you.

Anyways! Do you guys have any guides to help me out? Otherwise, I might be checking out my local auto shop to see if they could do it for me if I supply the shocks.

Thanks in advance!

BMcEL

If you have to ask how to install shocks, I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself.

KnightFiyah

haha alrighty. I just wasn't aware if it was easy or hard stuff because I couldn't find a direct guide for my make and model online.

So mechanic it is?

sc87yota

The rear shocks on a 2nd gen. 4runner is kinda a pain in the neck. Go buy a Factory Service Manual(FSM)and read it. If you feel confident then do it yourself!

BMcEL

Or save yer money and click!

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1990-1995...p/coilspri.pdf

sc87yota

^^^ Excellent help!! You should still buy the manual though. IMO

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

The rears aren't going to be a fun job. The top studs are hard to get at and will probably be crapped up. If you've got a torch, just cut the studs and replace the shocks. I was able to use a 3/8 air rachet with good luck. You CAN do it yourself. There's really nothing to mess up really, and you'd feel proud of your work, and the money you saved after it was done.

Wrenchinjoe

Shocks are a good job to learn on. There is one nut at the top of the shock and one bolt at the bottom that hold them in place. The hardest part of that job is access. Take your spare tire out so you can access the upper nuts easier, the space is cramped. Also, if the nuts are rusted you can struggle to break them loose. Soak them down with PB Blaster and try again later.


Follow the FSM link bmcel posted and read the instructions. Then you can decide whether you want to fool with it.

KnightFiyah

Yeah, I think I'm going to leave it to the pros lol.

So are there any "chain" auto shops I should check out? There's like a Shell gas station, Jiffy Lube, and some local 7-11's in the area. And how much is a reasonable price?

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

Any shop could do it. I'd get a firm quote before lettin em have it. That way if it's harder than they expect, there'll be no surprises.

Yotard

They aren't that hard...I used vice grips to hold onto the upper metal shroud of the old shock while I took the upper nut off. It is a little bit of a pain but it really wasn't hard. The biggest thing to get your rear riding right again is going to be new springs though. The old stock springs on your runner are shot and that's where a lot of the bobbing is coming from.

BMcEL

Shocks are probably one of the easiest jobs on these trucks, but if you're not mechanically inclined, it can seem overwhelming. If you decide to do it, just commit to it and don't stop until you're done. If you get stuck, you've always got us!

KnightFiyah

Is there a way to tell the difference? How do you know you need new springs as opposed to new shocks?

Resto-noob

iTrader: (3)

Post your location. If you live near me, I can show you how to do it for the cost of lunch.

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

If your rear sags much lower than your front without hauling anything, you need new rear springs. Or, if it doesn't sag, but you just want increased load hauling capacity, you'll want new springs. Even if it sags a bit, a new set of good shocks won't allow you to bottom out as easily as you are decscribing.

sc87yota

If you did both(coils and shocks) it would make a huge difference. In your picture looks like your 4runner sags a bit in the rear, the new coils will fix that and the "earthquake" you were talking about will go away. My Runner was the same. If you dont feel like you can replace the shocks by yourself then there is no way you'll get the coils in. Do LOTS of SEARCHING before you take it to a shop so you dont get burned. Good luck

JJGN

This is a project you should attempt yourself, can't do much damage except your knuckles (wear thick gloves). If you have a rachet set and open end/box wrenches go for it, and if you can not get them out you can always take it somewhere. JUST MAKE SURE YOU APPLY SOME LIQUID WRENCH/WD-40/penetrating oil a few times and for a few days in advance on all the nuts and bolts involved. GOOD LUCK!!!!

KnightFiyah

You all have been most helpful.

I think I might see if I even have a jack to raise my runner tomorrow, lol.

BMcEL

You don't need a jack to replace the shocks...as long as you can fit underneath it.

KnightFiyah

Ok awesome. So this would be a perfect way to go about it?

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1990-1995...p/coilspri.pdf

Im just going to be browsing my dad's tools, so there's no really special tool I'd need for it right?