Replacing shocks
#1
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Replacing shocks
I got some new OME shocks in the mail yesterday, I set up an appointment with my dads dealership to have them installed today.
I'm infuriated. After waiting 2 and a half hours I checked to see what the progress was because it was only supposed to take an hour AT MOST! I walk out there, being as my dad works there. And my 4runner hadn't even been pulled into the garage. I am so pissed, but I'll have the last laugh since my dad controls their pay.
Either way, I'm going to be installing the shocks now, which is what I wanted to do in the first place. Can anyone tell me where I should jack up the car from? The frame or the axle? and are there any tricks I should know?
I'm infuriated. After waiting 2 and a half hours I checked to see what the progress was because it was only supposed to take an hour AT MOST! I walk out there, being as my dad works there. And my 4runner hadn't even been pulled into the garage. I am so pissed, but I'll have the last laugh since my dad controls their pay.
Either way, I'm going to be installing the shocks now, which is what I wanted to do in the first place. Can anyone tell me where I should jack up the car from? The frame or the axle? and are there any tricks I should know?
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I got some new OME shocks in the mail yesterday, I set up an appointment with my dads dealership to have them installed today.
I'm infuriated. After waiting 2 and a half hours I checked to see what the progress was because it was only supposed to take an hour AT MOST! I walk out there, being as my dad works there. And my 4runner hadn't even been pulled into the garage. I am so pissed, but I'll have the last laugh since my dad controls their pay.
Either way, I'm going to be installing the shocks now, which is what I wanted to do in the first place. Can anyone tell me where I should jack up the car from? The frame or the axle? and are there any tricks I should know?
I'm infuriated. After waiting 2 and a half hours I checked to see what the progress was because it was only supposed to take an hour AT MOST! I walk out there, being as my dad works there. And my 4runner hadn't even been pulled into the garage. I am so pissed, but I'll have the last laugh since my dad controls their pay.
Either way, I'm going to be installing the shocks now, which is what I wanted to do in the first place. Can anyone tell me where I should jack up the car from? The frame or the axle? and are there any tricks I should know?
#4
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Installing new shocks is easy. In fact, it was the very first job I ever did on my truck. I say go for it and do it yourself.
I had to saw one of them off, but the shocks were almost 20 years old. A little heat might help loosen them. And soak them in PB blaster a couple days before doing the job, if it's not too late.
I had to saw one of them off, but the shocks were almost 20 years old. A little heat might help loosen them. And soak them in PB blaster a couple days before doing the job, if it's not too late.
#6
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If daddy tried to do something to an employee's pay because his son got mad there would be some serious legal issues there. I gotta agree if you don't know where or how to safely jack up a vehicle you probably shouldn't be working on it. So what happens when you get a flat?
#7
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X2 Scubs.
I just put on the new RS9000XL's last night after work, and before the bar (i am the DD). took about 10 minutes, only because i lost the lower bolts when i did my springs (found them in my tool bag). No jack needed. Now that i think of it, i have never used a jack to do the shocks on any of my old trucks.
I just put on the new RS9000XL's last night after work, and before the bar (i am the DD). took about 10 minutes, only because i lost the lower bolts when i did my springs (found them in my tool bag). No jack needed. Now that i think of it, i have never used a jack to do the shocks on any of my old trucks.
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#8
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If daddy tried to do something to an employee's pay because his son got mad there would be some serious legal issues there. I gotta agree if you don't know where or how to safely jack up a vehicle you probably shouldn't be working on it. So what happens when you get a flat?
I know how to jack up a vehicle, I've had 5 flats in two years in two different trucks. When I get a flat, I pull over and change it myself and plug it with my ARB tire repair kit. What about you? Fix-a-flat??
And I'd rather ask a dumb question than possibly damage something. All I needed to know is one part, where if anywhere would I need to jack up the truck since the shock needs to be fully compressed.
Last edited by Rudy97; 07-25-2009 at 12:26 PM.
#9
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You shouldn't have to jack it up at all, as scuba said.
Just loosen the bolts, after having soaked them with either PB or Liquid Wrench and just yank on them.
Might take 5-10min/side if it goes well.
BTW, the reason it took 2.5 hours is probably because your dad runs the place - that's been my experience anyway.
Just walk in like you're an average Joe, let them do their thing and it should work out just fine.
Fink
#10
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You shouldn't have to jack it up at all, as scuba said.
Just loosen the bolts, after having soaked them with either PB or Liquid Wrench and just yank on them.
Might take 5-10min/side if it goes well.
BTW, the reason it took 2.5 hours is probably because your dad runs the place - that's been my experience anyway.
Just walk in like you're an average Joe, let them do their thing and it should work out just fine.
Fink
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Might I suggest buying one of the awesome socket sets that Craftsman has?
I've got the 127-piece one and it is the most used thing in my garage.
It was only about $100 or so IIRC.
Fink
#12
To the OP, good luck on the install and I second that Craftsman set. I have the same one and adding a few specialty tools to that (cheater bar, extensions, torque wrench, etc) it been able to do anything I have needed it to so far.
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I already have a full set of wrenches that are from the army, but just the one size I needed a deep well. Anyways, i got a 14mm craftsman socket for the top, got under the truck and applied some liquid wrench. Waited an hour and came back to try and loosen the top bolt. When I tried to turn it the entire shock house would turn. I don't have a pipe clamp in that size, so I'll need to get one. Also, the right side upper support plate for the suspension worries me. Since it has a dip where the shock tower rests, water has collected over the years, and I'm worried about the integrity of the steel.
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I already have a full set of wrenches that are from the army, but just the one size I needed a deep well. Anyways, i got a 14mm craftsman socket for the top, got under the truck and applied some liquid wrench. Waited an hour and came back to try and loosen the top bolt. When I tried to turn it the entire shock house would turn. I don't have a pipe clamp in that size, so I'll need to get one. Also, the right side upper support plate for the suspension worries me. Since it has a dip where the shock tower rests, water has collected over the years, and I'm worried about the integrity of the steel.
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Ever heard the statement, "If you don't have anything nice to say (or tech-related) then don't say anything at all."
Even if you haven't - follow it.
Rudy,
Sounds like you're on the right track, having a buddy there to help you once you get the tools you need will help.
Take some pics of the part you're worried about so we can get an idea of what's going on.
Good luck, stick with it.
Fink
Even if you haven't - follow it.
Rudy,
Sounds like you're on the right track, having a buddy there to help you once you get the tools you need will help.
Take some pics of the part you're worried about so we can get an idea of what's going on.
Good luck, stick with it.
Fink
Last edited by Fink; 07-26-2009 at 05:15 PM.
#18
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I already have a full set of wrenches that are from the army, but just the one size I needed a deep well. Anyways, i got a 14mm craftsman socket for the top, got under the truck and applied some liquid wrench. Waited an hour and came back to try and loosen the top bolt. When I tried to turn it the entire shock house would turn. I don't have a pipe clamp in that size, so I'll need to get one. Also, the right side upper support plate for the suspension worries me. Since it has a dip where the shock tower rests, water has collected over the years, and I'm worried about the integrity of the steel.
Ever heard the statement, "If you don't have anything nice to say (or tech-related) then don't say anything at all."
Even if you haven't - follow it.
Rudy,
Sounds like you're on the right track, having a buddy there to help you once you get the tools you need will help.
Take some pics of the part you're worried about so we can get an idea of what's going on.
Good luck, stick with it.
Fink
Even if you haven't - follow it.
Rudy,
Sounds like you're on the right track, having a buddy there to help you once you get the tools you need will help.
Take some pics of the part you're worried about so we can get an idea of what's going on.
Good luck, stick with it.
Fink
#19
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It sounds like the assumption everybody is making is that you're only replacing the rear shocks (I read through twice and didn't see anywhere that you say you are not also planning on doing the fronts).
If you are planning on doing the fronts, you'll need a way to compress the springs enough to allow you to loosen the top nut on the shock. It's not easy (or overly safe) with the cheapy rental spring compressors, so unless you have access to a press, be very careful if you are doing the front shocks as well.
If you are planning on doing the fronts, you'll need a way to compress the springs enough to allow you to loosen the top nut on the shock. It's not easy (or overly safe) with the cheapy rental spring compressors, so unless you have access to a press, be very careful if you are doing the front shocks as well.
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