Shocks Removal/Installation question (1 Viewer)

[AJM0913]

Hey guys, I am planning to replace the shocks on my 97 FZJ80. When I jack the vehicle up, do I need to lower down the front and rear axles to remove the shocks or not? Im only replacing the shocks and NOT removing to coils.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bwakeling]

doesnt matter. can probably compress them by hand.

 

[95Softail]

Be careful with the lower rear shock bolt. They are prone to breakage. The upper rear comes off easier if you have a "wobble head" socket.

 

[AJM0913]

Be careful with the lower rear shock bolt. They are prone to breakage. The upper rear comes off easier if you have a "wobble head" socket.

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up. Maybe I should replace those bolts with a new ones? I've replace the struts on my friend's car before but never done it on my rig.

 

[blkprj80]

You're probably going to be hating that lower shock bolt on the rears. Start soaking with PBlaster ASAP, and plan on a battle. I thought mine were going to break, but I was successful somehow.
Work 'em, and keep applying penetrating oil.
I've also had good luck with ATF and Acetone.

If it comes off without twisting off the bolt, you did it right.

 

[Scott Free]

You're probably going to be hating that lower shock bolt on the rears. Start soaking with PBlaster ASAP, and plan on a battle. I thought mine were going to break, but I was successful somehow.
Work 'em, and keep applying penetrating oil.
I've also had good luck with ATF and Acetone.

If it comes off without twisting off the bolt, you did it right.

I did it wrong. Hate that bolt.

 

[terryfj40]

Cool thread I plan on doing mine soon. I hope itll fix a heavy lean. How hard are the front ones? The lean isn't as noticeable in the pic. (Heavy to drivers side) and the rig looks a lot worse than that picture suggests.

 

[Landseer]

The top bolt on the front left is a pain because the master cylinder sits right on top of it. When I did my shocks I found that if you remove the battery and battery box theres enough room to get a sawzall in there and cut the nut off the top of the shock.

 

[terryfj40]

Guess I'll check it out in the am. Thanx for the heads up.
Oh wow it's the am already man I gotta get to sleep.

 

[jtwopark]

when you put the bolt back on make sure you use superfluous amounts of anti-seize........and then some more......maybe a little bit more..and call it a day!..torque it to spec!...do not use an impact gun....

 

[AJM0913]

when you put the bolt back on make sure you use superfluous amounts of anti-seize........and then some more......maybe a little bit more..and call it a day!..torque it to spec!...do not use an impact gun....

Will do! I will soak it with liquid wrench. Ill probably just order new lower bolts replace it

 

[retrofive]

Yep, pretty much what others have said. The rear lower are prone to breaking off. The top mount (rear) plate can be a bit of a pain if rusty. The front DS is awkward to get to. All in all after you do it once or twice you get the hang of it and is pretty easy. Soak everything with PB blaster couple days prior.

 

[Rigwelder]

Get yourself a semi deep swivel socket for the DS top nut, makes things much easier

 

[PolarRunner]

@terryfj40 what part of Jersey are you in? Sorry for thread jacking.

How many people have applied some heat to the lower portion before attempting to remove the bolt also??

 

[LS1FJ40]

I just did mine on my 93. Not sure if others jack theirs up and put on stands but I found it a helluva lot easier with the front wheels off.

Plus it helped me identify why my front diff isn't locking (no wiring harness going to the actuator).

Also, make sure you reinstall the washers correctly.

 

[Tapage]

doesnt matter. can probably compress them by hand.

it depends on the shock .. and how strong you are I guess ..

 

[jtwopark]

Try compressing a 2.5 body!

 

[bwakeling]

it depends on the shock .. and how strong you are I guess ..

true...not a chance for my 2.5 Icons or ADS's...needed ratchet straps for those. Stock shocks or OME not a problem by hand. Given the question I assumed he wasn't installing fancy shocks

 

[AJM0913]

true...not a chance for my 2.5 Icons or ADS's...needed ratchet straps for those. Stock shocks or OME not a problem by hand. Given the question I assumed he wasn't installing fancy shocks

No not installing fancy shocks. I am thinking about getting Bilstain shocks or OEM but leaning towards Bilstain.

 

[LS1FJ40]

No not installing fancy shocks. I am thinking about getting Bilstain shocks or OEM but leaning towards Bilstain.

If you are sticking with stick height then you really can't beat OEM Tokico shocks. Price and performance they are as good as they come. Many of us have tried Biletein, OME, Rancho and OEM.