Detaching bottom end of rear shocks - safe?

Nobody

Founding Member
May 9, 2000
2,515
0
0
Kenmore, WA
Hey guys, I need to the remove the brake hose brackets on the rear axle and the rear shocks are mounted right over those bolts.

It looks simple enough but that just inclines me to think that there's some reason I can't just do that. If it's safe/possible, how would I go about removing the lower end of the shock? Then, how would I get the shock reconnected to its mounting bracket?

Thanks,
Gabe
 
  • Sponsors (?)


Gabe, you are wise to ask. The shock is what holds the axle in place in a downward vertical plain. So if you remove the stock, you can jack the body way up high. But be wary of the axle (read springs, which are being relieved).

That said, just be smart with the jack and jack stands and you should be fine. I tend to start with the car low (I can actually get my big self under the car enough to loosen the lower shock bolts with minimal jacking) and then slowly jack it up (after the bolts are removed).

I'm making it sound difficult, which it isnt. But since someone else might read this in a search, I like to give fair warning about the axle issue.

It should take you less than 5 mins to disco' both shocks' lower nuts and bolts and be accessing your brake line brackets.

Good luck.