I've done plenty of basic mechanical work in my life but I have never replaced shocks, primarily because I've never had a lift until recently. Now I'm ready to tackle the job on my '64. The real question is what kind of problems might I run in to? Is it a pure unbolt and replace job or more complicated. A few hints would be most appreciated. Thanks. David #33277
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Re: Midyear Shocks
David-----
It's a very simple, straight-forward operation and it does not really require a lift; just a floor jack and jackstands will do.
front:
1) remove upper shock nut. Save the large curved retainer (if your car still has them) and re-use it instead of the retainers provided with the shocks. Hold the top of the shock shaft with an adjustable wrench while you back off the nut.
2) remove the 2 lower bolts
3) drop the shock out through the bottom
4) reverse the above to install the new shocks
rear:
1) remove upper shock mount bolt. Save and reuse the bolt and thin nut. Press the upper shock shaft down so that it clears the frame mount bracket
2) remove lower shock nut; pull shock off of the shaft
3) install new shock into the upper mount first. Install bolt with LOCKWASHER BEHIND THE BOLT HEAD, not behind the nut on the inside of the frame bracket. Do not tighten the nut yet;
4) pull the shock down and mount it on the lower shaft. Install retainer with the CUPPED SIDE OUT, lockwasher, and special thick nut
5) torque upper and lower nuts to specIn Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Midyear Shocks
David-----
It's a very simple, straight-forward operation and it does not really require a lift; just a floor jack and jackstands will do.
front:
1) remove upper shock nut. Save the large curved retainer (if your car still has them) and re-use it instead of the retainers provided with the shocks. Hold the top of the shock shaft with an adjustable wrench while you back off the nut.
2) remove the 2 lower bolts
3) drop the shock out through the bottom
4) reverse the above to install the new shocks
rear:
1) remove upper shock mount bolt. Save and reuse the bolt and thin nut. Press the upper shock shaft down so that it clears the frame mount bracket
2) remove lower shock nut; pull shock off of the shaft
3) install new shock into the upper mount first. Install bolt with LOCKWASHER BEHIND THE BOLT HEAD, not behind the nut on the inside of the frame bracket. Do not tighten the nut yet;
4) pull the shock down and mount it on the lower shaft. Install retainer with the CUPPED SIDE OUT, lockwasher, and special thick nut
5) torque upper and lower nuts to specIn Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Midyear Shocks
Thanks Joe! I will print out the instructions and take them to my garage. I appreciate the time you spent responding. (I'm already using your suggestions for which shocks to use.) You are the man.
Thanks again,
DavidComment
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Re: Midyear Shocks
Thanks Joe! I will print out the instructions and take them to my garage. I appreciate the time you spent responding. (I'm already using your suggestions for which shocks to use.) You are the man.
Thanks again,
DavidComment
Comment