I used an alignment lift at the military’s auto hobby shop, a chassis lift will also work but I like the ramps on the alignment lift to use as a tool tray.
Most bases have auto hobby shops & they have all the tools you need to do this job with ease. This probably can be done in the garage if you are patient and allow some extra time.
Chock front tires & lift vehicle to a comfortable height. Use the frame lift or other suitable lift or support and place it near the rear wheels on the frame so the axle can hang down.
Remove tires.
Use PB Blaster on the shock bolts.
Using a 17mm wrench/ratchet remove bolt that holds the lower shock mount.
Now the fun part, use a ¾ ratcheting box end on the top shock bolts, it’s very tight. You my find yourself cussing like a WW2 trench solder, this is normal.
I used a chain wrench to hold the shock from spinning.
Install the new shocks in reverse order leaving the bottom of the shock undone.
Removing & installing springs
Remove bracket for parking brake. And if the brake is on release it.
Remove ABS sensor cable brackets at each side. All this will allow free movement of the axle.
Now using something to support the axle (some type of jack), undo the sway bar at the point that attaches at the frame. Let it hang down and pivot where it’s attached to the axle.
Use the jack to gently lower the axle (I used a 2x4 and a block of wood to leverage it up and down).
Watch the brakes hydraulic line; don’t let it to get too tight.
The springs are now ready to be removed.
The OME springs are a bit smaller than the original and will go in easier. Make sure you leave the rubber pads on the top of the springs in place.
Raise axle in place and check for proper seating of the springs.
Reattach all components in reverse order.
Now you have it done, go for a ride and enjoy!
Vaya Con Dios,
Dean
Most bases have auto hobby shops & they have all the tools you need to do this job with ease. This probably can be done in the garage if you are patient and allow some extra time.
Chock front tires & lift vehicle to a comfortable height. Use the frame lift or other suitable lift or support and place it near the rear wheels on the frame so the axle can hang down.
Remove tires.
Use PB Blaster on the shock bolts.
Using a 17mm wrench/ratchet remove bolt that holds the lower shock mount.
Now the fun part, use a ¾ ratcheting box end on the top shock bolts, it’s very tight. You my find yourself cussing like a WW2 trench solder, this is normal.
I used a chain wrench to hold the shock from spinning.
Install the new shocks in reverse order leaving the bottom of the shock undone.
Removing & installing springs
Remove bracket for parking brake. And if the brake is on release it.
Remove ABS sensor cable brackets at each side. All this will allow free movement of the axle.
Now using something to support the axle (some type of jack), undo the sway bar at the point that attaches at the frame. Let it hang down and pivot where it’s attached to the axle.
Use the jack to gently lower the axle (I used a 2x4 and a block of wood to leverage it up and down).
Watch the brakes hydraulic line; don’t let it to get too tight.
The springs are now ready to be removed.
The OME springs are a bit smaller than the original and will go in easier. Make sure you leave the rubber pads on the top of the springs in place.
Raise axle in place and check for proper seating of the springs.
Reattach all components in reverse order.
Now you have it done, go for a ride and enjoy!
Vaya Con Dios,
Dean