Replacing Shocks

[sx460]

Hi All,

 

I'm close to replacing the shocks on my '99, 2WD, 5.3, Ext Cab Silverado. My plan for replacing the front shocks is driving up onto Rhino ramps and undoing the 3 bolts on each shock and then replacing... no jacking of the vehicle necessary.

 

My question is in regards to the rear shocks. Since I'll need to remove the rear tires on the truck to access the rear shocks, I'll need to jack up the vehnicle obviously. The question I have is where is a good spot to jack up the vehicle? Since I can't jack it up off the frame because the suspension will bottom out, I was thinking of jacking the vehicle on the rear axle. Would this be OK? Is there a better place for this?

 

Thanks!

[ZZebes]

get a floor jack and put it right on the bottom of the rear diff.

 

But remember to chock the wheels because your front wheels are free when parked

 

and remember the jack stands because jacks fail.

[sx460]

get a floor jack and put it right on the bottom of the rear diff.

 

But remember to chock the wheels because your front wheels are free when parked

 

and remember the jack stands because jacks fail.

 

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Thanks for the reply. Sounds like a plan. I'm looking forward to fresh shocks, should improve the ride a bit. Thanks!

[asepgrad98]

i dont think you need to remove the rear wheels. maybe the spare tire.

[revitup]

Recently replaced my shocks. No need to remove the tires or spare. Just put it up on ramps to make access a little easier.

[RyanbabZ71]

I didnt remove the rear tires on my truck when I did my shocks. I did remove the fronts to make it a little easier and give some mroe room plus I did some cleaning and greasing

[Elwood 2000]

Kept my wheels on, but I did lower my spare. It was not really necessary, but it was simple and gave me a bit more room to work.

[Bill55AZ]

Just did my 2002 2wd Silverado 1500, and helped a friend do his 4x4 2500 Suburban. Mine was easier, no need to jack either of them up unless you have too much frontal mass sticking out above your belt. Make sure you have some metric wrenches in the larger sizes....

[az'03Silverado]

For jacking: as mentioned, put the floorjack under the diff and then use jackstands on the axles as far outward as possible.

 

What I did: put the back tires up on the rhino ramps and remove the spare. You can actually sit upright under there. I did this to change my diff fluid and was amazed at the amount of wiggle room under there.

 

So, unless you need to inspect the brakes or something like that, I'd leave the wheels on and use those Rhino ramps. (aren't they awsome?!)

[sx460]

I appreciated all the replies, seriously! I've got a plan of attack in my head, just need to go out and buy the shocks. Thanks a million guys