Installing Shocks

[stirling33]

I am going to replace my worn out shocks with a set of KYB's and seeing that this is my first attempt at this, is it best to one side at a time or to jack the front up put it on stands and do both sides. It appears to be pretty simple but just in case, is there any sort of things I should look out for.

 

[NasaGT]

When I did this, I jacked up the front end, put it on jack stands, and then did each side. Really a simple job, 4 bolts on each side if I remember correctly.

 

[silverbluebp]

I always put the car up on 4 stands and do them all.
Works for the 66 and worked great last week when I did the F250!

 

[stirling33]

thanks for the replies, so safe to say this is not all that difficult.

 

[geostang351]

Piece of cake!

 

[68converted]

If you are doing the fronts, just keep in mind that if you put the front end up on jack stands, the travel of the wheel may be greater than the length of the shock. Makes it a PITA to get them off without loosing some flesh. Ask me how I found this out...

 

[stirling33]

One more quick question....when replacing the back shocks where is the best place to support the car with stands?

 

[silverbluebp]

I usually put the stands under the rear axle tubes, close to the ends, but not in the way of the shock. It gives a little more room under there with the rear suspension compressed.
You can also put them under the rear frame rails and let the axle hang.

 

[mustangdave]

If you have a hard time accessing the lower frt. nuts, it helps to turn the wheel.

 

[HookandLadder]

Put penetrating oil on the top nuts on the front shocks and let it soak in good. You'll thank me later.

 

[John Z]

If you are doing the fronts, just keep in mind that if you put the front end up on jack stands, the travel of the wheel may be greater than the length of the shock. Makes it a PITA to get them off without loosing some flesh. Ask me how I found this out...

Since the car will be on safety stands, your jack will be available to jack up the lower control arm so the shock doesn't need to be fully extended.

 

[Jester67]

Put penetrating oil on the top nuts on the front shocks and let it soak in good. You'll thank me later.

KROIL proof that God loves us and wonts us to be happy!

 

[BornInAFord]

It is sometimes easier to unbolt the upper shock bolts when the car is on the ground and the tires are loaded. When the upper bolts are loosened, turn the top of the shock 90°. This allows the top of the shock to drop down a bit when the car is jacked up and the weight of the suspension pulls down on the shock. This way, you don't need to jack the suspension up to relieve the tension.
Daniel

 

[HHStang]

I believe there is a right sequence to doing the fronts and it can be not easy. Do you all recommend he put lower nuts on first then attach upper shock mount and top nut, or attach top nut to shock mount, then do lower nuts? Mine are done, and keeping in mind I operate at idiot level, it was not "easy". I had to pry down on the shock to get enough thread through the rear stud to get the nut to thread, then again, I probably did it wrong and I admit to being a moron.