Easiest way to replace rear shocks?

[klavender1]

I'm not changing springs. Just going to replace the shocks with some KYB's. Every write up I've read seems to be written if you're putting lowering springs on. It seems like it should be easy. I'm using a lift, so I assume you just put a trans jack under the trailing arms? Anything I need to know before attempting?

[LJ851]

no






.

[blefevre]

4 bolts. Two up top, one on the shock/mount, one down low. Yep, put a jack under the trailing arm.

[CHIF8008]

this is retarded simple. no you don't need special tools-if you cant rotate your own tires, please don't mess with the shocks.

[klavender1]

Thanks for the vote of confidence CHIF. Haha. I assumed it was that easy, but every time I assume something about this car it bites me in the ass. So I like to study on things before actually doing.

[CHIF8008]

yea sure thing buddy

tranny brace under the trailing arm works fine(always did mine on the ground tho)

hope to it!

[Mullet Bullet]

just do it on the ground, its easier

[hyperE30]

just do it on the ground, its easier

pretty much this or just try it how ever you think its best, not a hard thing to do.

[mr.vang]

if you are planing to lowering the car i don't recommend kyb. they will be blown in no time with lowering spring/coil. i also recommend replacing the top mount with HD one while your at it.

[klavender1]

Not plan on lowering car, just returning a good DD ride (what's on there now is shot). And KYB's are a pretty good price and seem to get good reviews for what they are. I'm doing front, back and all associated mounts, bushings, etc. I'll do the rears on the ground. The fronts I'll use the lift. I work at a dealership so it's easy to take it in to work on a saturday morning. Use the lift and have mechanics around in case I run into an issue or need a specialty tool.

[KVF]

Ummmmmm... The "shocks" are in the back and are easy as pie. The matching "struts" go in the front and are not. Be prepared to separate a ball joint, pull the entire strut housing from the car, and use a spring compressor before you are able to free the strut from the housing.

[klavender1]

I'm aware and prepared. :D Like I said I'll be at the shop with plenty of special tools and mechanics. I've seen the write ups (with pics) on doing the fronts. Been reading up on it while I save money to buy the parts. Just never saw a write up for the rear that didn't involve replacing springs, so I had to ask. Thanks all for the advice!

[jlevie]

Replacing the rear shocks is really quite easy. I think it is easiest to do with rear of the car on jack stands or if on a lift with the rear at about the same height. Put a floor jack under the trailing arm and lift the trailing arm a few inches. Then remove the two nuts that secure the shock mount, lower the trailing arm, and remove the bolt that secures the shock to the trailing arm. Assembly is the reverse. Attach the mount to the shock, Mount the shock to the trailing arm and lift the trailing arm to seat the mount, and secure it with the two nuts.