replacing shocks

[nocaratall]

im not very mechanically inclined and need to replace shocks. is this reatively simple for the mechanically challenged or should i pay to have it done? any special tools needed?

 

[85GTlover]

I would not mess with the front of your cars suspension the springs are loaded under pressure and apparently can do a bit of damage to ones body if they were to spring when not properly unassembled. Actually some people have been seriously injured attempting this. Since you asked this question I would say you should leave it to someone else. Or read up on it in the tech sections of some of these sites and see if you figure you are up to the task. I would think you could change your drag shocks if you have them and probably the back shocks but like I said read a bit up on it and then you will know for yourself.Asking for other peoples advice someone who knows could say "oh, no problem it is easy" because they done it 50 times. You take their advice and end up with your car apart midnite Sunday and you need it to drive to work in five and a half hours or worse running into your kitchen screaming like a 4 year old girl with your coil spring impaled in your left nipple "call 911,call911". But it is up to you there are probably a lots of guys who tried it and done it. Maybe even guys dumber than you.Just kidding about that. If you can afford to let someone else do it save the possible headaches or boob ache.

 

[Sleepy1]

Sorry 85GTlover, but you're wrong. The front struts are not connected to the springs by any means. That's why are front suspensions are called modified MacPhearson. The job is relatively easy, but you will need an impact gun to get the top bolts off where it goes through the strut tower. You cannot spin the bolts fast enough yourself or else the strut shaft just spins when you turn the wrench or socket. Anyways, the rears are easier than the fronts, but plan on a couple of hours for the whole job if you are doing yourself without a lift.

 

[85GTlover]

O.K. But what if he wanted better springs with the shocks? And he said shocks I wasn't thinking struts and I did not read the year of car. What if he owned an older stang?
I know he doesn't. Or what if he had coilovers on his car?

 

[hognutz]

Very easy. back just unbolt. air tools are handy for the rear upper shock bolts. Front are very simple as well. just place a jack under the arm. unbolt and and remove. anyone who says it is hard must have a hard time doing anything mechanical. there is literally 10 bolts total.

rear
1. jack up car
2 remove lower shock bolts
3. remove inner trunk panels
4 remove upper shock bolts (if you don't have air tools try vice grips to hold the shaft fo the shock)
5. replace.

front

1. jack up car
2. remove wheels
3. unbolt struts
4. remove
5 replace.

 

[GT2000JAY]

I'm with Hognutz on this - it's not a terribly difficult task. With a little bit of time and patience you can get it with basic tools and knowledge. Do one side at a time in the rear - when I released both rears and the back end lifted a bit due to spring pressure and it was a pain to get the shocks through the upper mounts.

Jay

 

[COBRA_SVT_VERT]

O.K. But what if he wanted better springs with the shocks? And he said shocks I wasn't thinking struts and I did not read the year of car. What if he owned an older stang?
I know he doesn't. Or what if he had coilovers on his car?

or what if a snake was curled up in there and jumped out and bit him.....

Plain and simple (not trying to flame you), you told the guy "your" car and why you would not do the susp on "his" car. To someone that doesn't know what they are doing, they will believe that you have looked at what they drive, etc. and are giving advice based on that. If you don't know, ask...then give advice, but if you're going to give it, make sure it's correct and based on the facts at hand.

My .02