Shocks

[LS4me]

So, with all this talk of trying out different springs/shocks/etc. that requires multiple times R&Ring the shock, what is the secret for a quick rear shock install? I spent a good 30 minutes trying to get the rear assemblies installed even though I marked one of the mounting bolts.

So......What is the trick?

 

[RodLS]

Takes me about that long too. I've done it 3 or 4 times.

 

[BlackLS06]

I wonder if i would notice a smoother ride with new shocks at just 73K.

 

[joegr]

I wonder if i would notice a smoother ride with new shocks at just 73K.

I think that shocks usually loosen up as they age, so replacing them is more about better handling than smoother riding.

 

[BlackLS06]

I think that shocks usually loosen up as they age, so replacing them is more about better handling than smoother riding.

Right.

Well im planning on getting new wheels and tires soon...and figured i might as well get the shocks replaced at the same time.

Maybe have my mechanic check out the bushings and see if they need replaced yet as well. I doubt it though.

 

[stallone 81]

whats the average use you get out of shocks. ive never replaced mine and got my car at 110k and now is at 150k. im thinking of doing it since im going to be lowering my car again

 

[LS4me]

whats the average use you get out of shocks. ive never replaced mine and got my car at 110k and now is at 150k. im thinking of doing it since im going to be lowering my car again

About every 50K is pretty much the norm. At 85Kish mine had virtually no resistance. I could compress the piston with very little effort.


After a suggestion from the guy at NAPA, I'm going to put some heat-shrink on the cap bolt to align the cap. After the bolts are through I can just cut off the heat-shrink.

 

[2000sport]

Took me about 2 1/2 hours to pull my rears off, install eibachs, reinstall in car.

I had an extra set of hands to help guide the strut assembly into its mount.

 

[LS4me]

Took me about 2 1/2 hours to pull my rears off, install eibachs, reinstall in car.

I had an extra set of hands to help guide the strut assembly into its mount.

I did too. Too bad my wife is mechanically challenged! I have found that the fronts are a piece of cake if you disconnect the upper "A" arm.

 

[G-RELL]

im pretty sure one of us would end up in the ER if mine (soon to be) helped....

 

[RodLS]

im pretty sure one of us would end up in the ER if mine (soon to be) helped....

lol Congratulations!

Extra pair of hands is almost a must on the rear shocks. I find little brothers work great for putting on the nuts while I hold the shock in place.

 

[Alax7]

The rears were easy, I had trouble on the fronts, blunder on my part being my first time and with no help. Using a cheap spring compressor sure didn't help either.

I'm ready to tackle it again no problem.


So you're saying 30 minutes is too long and you want to know how to do it faster? From start to finish for both sides, to me, 30 minutes seems like a great time. 30 minutes just trying to place the shock in its mounting location is another story.

 

[LS4me]

The rears were easy, I had trouble on the fronts, blunder on my part being my first time and with no help. Using a cheap spring compressor sure didn't help either.

I'm ready to tackle it again no problem.


So you're saying 30 minutes is too long and you want to know how to do it faster? From start to finish for both sides, to me, 30 minutes seems like a great time. 30 minutes just trying to place the shock in its mounting location is another story.

That's what it was..... About 30 minutes to get ONE rear shock mounted.

 

[2000sport]

It took Bull and I about 5 minutes on the driver side and maybe 2-3 minutes on the passenger side once I got the Eibachs mounted on the struts. I would imagine the rears would really be a pain without an extra set of hands though

 

[G-RELL]

maybe some of you fast guys can do a write up some time.... if anyone does it again.... everyone has there own little tricks to get things done alittle faster

 

[LS4me]

maybe some of you fast guys can do a write up some time.... if anyone does it again.... everyone has there own little tricks to get things done alittle faster

EXCELLENT idea!