Hey, I recently had one of my old crappy shocks actually rust off. This has prompted me to replace all my front and rear shocks. Does anyone have any advice or information to give me about doing it myself?
(I'm kind of a newbie with working on automobiles)

 

Oh, forgot to add: it's a 1989 4Runner, 5-speed manual, 4-cylinder. No lifts or mods.

 

Please search before you get flamed. The link below will get you started on the right path.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f129/beginners-thoughts-body-suspension-lift-tires-81122/

 

get a gator strap to prevent the shock from spinning when undoing the top bolts. Or simply cut them off, but there isn't much room.

 

its very easy. Each shock has one upper and one lower bolt holding it in. Get those out and your clear to install the new ones. Soak the bolts in WD40 or similar to make it easier or just cut them out as stated.

 

You may need a sawzall for the top of the rears. Cut just above the lower washer, kinda through the rubber bushing and the stud. Believe it or not, there is just enough room for you to get a ratchet in there to tighten them up.

My advice is to try and unbolt them, but don't spend too much time. If it won't go, just cut them off.

It's a pretty easy job, no worries.

 

Try to spray some PB Blaster a day in advance before the actual work. Its a pretty good penetrant and will make getting bolts out easier on you.

 

I had to use a pneumatic cutting wheel to get my rear shocks off. The nut rusted real bad, then stripped. I actually had to cut the nut off the shock.

I second the strap though to hold the shock. But if you don't care about the old ones, a pair of big channel locks work great.

 

This stuff is amazing! I couldn't believe the hardware I could get off after soaking with PB for an hour or two.

Roy