Shock Install Tips

[99silveradoz71]

Just got replacement shocks in the mail over the weekend for my 99 z71.  Anyone have any tips for installation.  This will be my first shock experience.

[RyanbabZ71]

air compressor/ ratchet  makes it go quicker

 

Have an extra set of hands for the fronts (they are a pita)

 

They are prettyy easy to install.  Took about an hour (with taking a break after the rears)

[MountaineerTom]

Local auto parts stores usually sell a small tool to use for the fronts that make it easier.  Don't remember the exact name of it, but probably something like Shock removal/instalation tool.  

[chevy4x4trucks]

jack the front end up and take off the tire to get to the front shocks top mount.  After I changed mine I saw that I could get it from the wheelwell and was kicking myself for it because doing it from the engine compartment is a PITA.  The rears are pretty easy.  You may want to drop the spare to give yourself a lil' more room.  But, it's a couple hour project, not too difficult, just gotta get under and wrench it.

[RyanbabZ71]

But, it's a couple hour project

 

WHAT?    

 

It took me 1 hr 15 min and that was playing catch (football after the rears) and getting a drink

[chevy4x4trucks]

But, it's a couple hour project

 

WHAT?    

 

It took me 1 hr 15 min and that was playing catch (football after the rears) and getting a drink

what can I say, I may not be good, but I'm slow

 

But, I was helping a buddy change the shocks in his F%$# and he constantly needed me to muscle some bolts out, so that's why it took me about 2 and a half hours to complete.  Not to mention I did the fronts the hard way.  But, hindsight is always 20/20

[99silveradoz71]

Thanks for the info.  Friend has a small compressor (2hp/4gal) and a gun, so we'll probably try that.  I notice the fronts have the (right word here)thin metal ends on them, any tips for holding them?  Tried the autoparts store here, but the guy didn't really know what I meant by the tool Tom(I think) mentioned above.  Also, is there a torque spec fo the shocks?

[RyanbabZ71]

tool?  It doesnt take any special tool.  Torque spec?  I did em till they were tight.  But yes and the number slips my mind right now.  For some reason i think its like 18 (metric)??  Dont take that for 100%

[MountaineerTom]

 I notice the fronts have the (right word here)thin metal ends on them, any tips for holding them?  Tried the autoparts store here, but the guy didn't really know what I meant by the tool Tom(I think) mentioned above.  

Bill,

Here's a pic of the tool I mentioned.  I got it at Advance Auto Parts.  I havn't used it yet on this truck, but have on a firends, but it does fit our trucks.  It's made by AmPro and the part number on the package is T72025.  Makes it alot easier in my opinion.  I've done shocks with and without this tool, and I though it made it easier with the tool.  

 

The way it works is, you use one of the silver pieces that has the socket end that fits on that thin metal end.  (There are 3 different sizes between the 2 silver pieces.  One end has no socket on the end.   ??? )  Then slip the black, hollow socket over the silver piece, and onto the shock nut.  You can then hold the silver piece easier with a wrench or socket while you turn the black socket with another wrench.  

 

Hope this helps.  

 

[99silveradoz71]

Tom, thanks for the info.  I picked that kit up tonight.  You guys have been great with the info so far.  Does anyone know the socket sizes required for this.  My friend has a compressor and I just want to be sure we have the right sockets before getting going on this?

[99silveradoz71]

Picked up a 6hp/30gal Craftsman vertical compressor earlier today.  Anyone have the sizes for the bolts as well as lugnuts so I can decide who/where/what to get deepwells for the impact?

[RyanbabZ71]

21mm for the shock bolts

 

Checked it today while i was under the truck  

[99silveradoz71]

Excellent information as always.  Should be good to go with no problems.  I didn't check the manual yet, but anyone have the torque spec for the shock bolts at all?  I'd like to get them right on if I can.

[MountaineerTom]

From my Haynes manual:

 

Front shock upper mounting nut -  15 ft-lbs

Front shock lower mounting bolts (2wd) - 19 ft-lbs

Front shock lower mounting bolt/nuts - 59 ft-lbs

 

Rear shock upper bolt/nut - 70 ft-lbs

Rear shock lower bolt/nut - 70 ft-lbs

 

[99silveradoz71]

Thanks Tom, I just discovered my burried Haynes the other night.  Just been running like mad here with work since getting back from vacation.  Then we've had my little cousin over the last few nights.  I'll give the Haynes and the owner's a look.  Managed to find the socket for the lug nuts to use with my new torque wrench.