How To Question
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 4
How To Question I just got my suspension in the mail and this is going to be my first big project, can any help with some quick instuctions for installing shocks, springs and swaybars...is there a website on how to do this or a book?
thanks in advance..
thanks in advance..
Front springs.
Best tool that i have found is a "strut compressor" The type that mounts to the outside of the coil, Autozone rents them for free (just need a $40 deposit) And you need to use an air impact gun, or it will take FOREVER. Some sort of rust spray will work to your advantage. Also when re-assembling the front springs, do not tighten them down completely and hope they will go in, leave the assembly with enough slack to turn and adjust the shock mount portion. Don't forget about the cotter pin on the steering nuckle bolt.
Rear shocks.
The top nut can be accessed via a precut square in the carpet right behind the top seat. Don't waste your time pulling back the whole carpet.
Rear springs.
I mentioned the shocks first because i would recomment you undo the lower bolt on the shock before you lift the tire off the ground to give you more free play to remove and install the springs, otherwise the rearend will hand on the shock when it is at the end of it's stroke. Springs are pretty much slip out - slip in. Might wanna have a prybar handy just in case.
Rear sway bar.
Easy unbolt, bolt up the new piece.
Front sway bar.
Undo the end links first, then unbolt the mounts. slip the new mounts onto the bar bolt up. Then use a floor jack to lift the lower A-arm to make it easier to install the bolt.
Best tool that i have found is a "strut compressor" The type that mounts to the outside of the coil, Autozone rents them for free (just need a $40 deposit) And you need to use an air impact gun, or it will take FOREVER. Some sort of rust spray will work to your advantage. Also when re-assembling the front springs, do not tighten them down completely and hope they will go in, leave the assembly with enough slack to turn and adjust the shock mount portion. Don't forget about the cotter pin on the steering nuckle bolt.
Rear shocks.
The top nut can be accessed via a precut square in the carpet right behind the top seat. Don't waste your time pulling back the whole carpet.
Rear springs.
I mentioned the shocks first because i would recomment you undo the lower bolt on the shock before you lift the tire off the ground to give you more free play to remove and install the springs, otherwise the rearend will hand on the shock when it is at the end of it's stroke. Springs are pretty much slip out - slip in. Might wanna have a prybar handy just in case.
Rear sway bar.
Easy unbolt, bolt up the new piece.
Front sway bar.
Undo the end links first, then unbolt the mounts. slip the new mounts onto the bar bolt up. Then use a floor jack to lift the lower A-arm to make it easier to install the bolt.
Last edited by djsanchez2; Jun 8, 2008 at 03:03 PM.
Just take your time, think about what your doing and if you need help dont be afraid to ask. There is a wealth of info on here so you will have a walkthrough if you need it. Have fun
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
Just like ^the man said. Search her on the site, it´s all her. Then, do it in baby steps. Realize this may take some time to get it right.
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