Shock install?

sgw_88FoxGT · Aug 29, 2008

I'm installing new shocks this weekend (KYB GR-2s) and don't know where to start. Anybody know of any links to instructional websites or threads? Or anybody willing to post a write-up?

For write-ups, all I can find is this: Help with installing KYB Springs and Shocks - Ford Mustang Forums

Anybody want to add to that or does that about cover it?

I'm keeping the stock springs and I have a whole bunch of hand tools, two jackstands, and my dad to provide another set of hands. No power or air tools, but I'm willing to put in some elbow grease.

And even though it's pretty basic, if I can get my hands on a digital camera I'll post a "how-to" write-up with pics.

Thanks!

93 LX · Aug 29, 2008

The shocks are a breeze. Take out the interior covers they are either round or square depending on the year of your stang. 4 eyes are square and areos are round but all are located on the middle back of the rear wheel well.

Your struts are going to be much more of an ordeal without an impact wrench either electric or air. I would imagine you could do it with a long breaker bar but I would caution against that. The upper bolts are a snap but the 2 bolts on the spindle are very tight and with mine were locktited on.

Have fun.

sgw_88FoxGT · Aug 29, 2008

Would some type of anti-seize compound help out with the front spindle bolts?

sgw_88FoxGT · Aug 29, 2008

Oh, and are any of the bolts reverse thread?

93 LX · Aug 29, 2008

They are factory loctited. As for anti-seize I wouldnt recommend it due to you not wanting those bolts to come loose. No they are the standard bolts, righty tighty, lefty lucy...

mavmavv · Aug 29, 2008

I just did this, twice.

Definitely use air tools up front.

Heres the guide for the rear:

AutoZone.com | Vehicle Selection - Year

And the Front:

AutoZone.com | Vehicle Selection - Year

Edit: If the site gives you crap, just enter your vehicle info and search.

sgw_88FoxGT · Aug 29, 2008

Problem is I don't have any air tools. I'm on a tight budget.

Re:

I would imagine you could do it with a long breaker bar but I would caution against that.

Why?

sgw_88FoxGT · Aug 29, 2008

Actually, I didn't even realize impact wrenches were so cheap. Are craftsman impact wrenches any good? Sears has got a 1/2" one that provides 340 lb-ft of torque on sale for $20.

mavmavv · Aug 29, 2008

sgw_88FoxGT said:
Actually, I didn't even realize impact wrenches were so cheap. Are craftsman impact wrenches any good? Sears has got a 1/2" one that provides 340 lb-ft of torque on sale for $20.

You dont need an expensive one. A cheap one will do and is nice to have around.

sgw_88FoxGT · Aug 29, 2008

I just don't have a compressor. I might be able to borrow one but I don't know.

Anyway, why would a breaker bar not be recommended?

mavmavv · Aug 29, 2008

sgw_88FoxGT said:
I just don't have a compressor. I might be able to borrow one but I don't know.

Anyway, why would a breaker bar not be recommended?

You need air tools to "shock" the top bolt on the struts.

I took my bottom bolts off with a breaker bar, but it was like 4 feet long and a huge pita.

wildstang90 · Aug 29, 2008

I have done this many times with out air tools. the top of your front shock should have a square flange on it or a big slot. Thats so you can put a wrench on the nut and still hold the shock in place so your not turning both at the same time. As for the lower I used a standerd breaker bar its like 18inchs and I slid the tube for my floor jack on that for alittle be more humph. Its easy.

Mustang5L5 · Aug 29, 2008

sgw_88FoxGT said:
I just don't have a compressor. I might be able to borrow one but I don't know.?

rent one from home depot

sgw_88FoxGT · Sep 3, 2008

Just an update:

I successfully installed all four corners. The rear ones were really easy but the top nut on the front shocks that is loctited on is impossible. I tried everything to get it off but the top of the front shock started stripping. I tried using adjustable wrenches and vice grips but the metal started stripping or the tools started slipping before I could even get the nut to move. What I eventually did was I took out the shock with the assembly still in place held on by that stubborn nut and just hack-sawed off the bolt and then just slide off the rest of the assembly. The KYBs came with a new nut so it didn't matter that I hacked up the old one. The other thing that worked for the other front shock was I took the whole thing out and then wacked the loctited nut with a hammer for a few minutes to break the bond and then I just screwed it right off with my fingers. I used a breaker bar for everything else.

I know my method was unorthodox but I got the job done without damaging any equipment that I wasn't throwing away. Now the car rides great, I never knew how much the ride sucked before. When I took out the old shocks and I compressed them, they didn't give any resistance and just sprang back like a pogo stick. Now the car turns better, feels crisper, AND is smoother over bumps.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get my hands on a digital camera to take photos of me losing my temper at that top nut and going crazy with a hammer at it.

Thanks for all the help!

mavmavv · Sep 3, 2008

You only need to do it once the hard way to know you never want to do it like that again.

Shock install?

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