Help with shock replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 712
Likes: 26
From: Santa Maria CA
Help with shock replacement
I'm trying to replace the shocks on my 96 and I've already run into a problem. I jacked up the car and put it on a jack stand, took off the right front shock, attached the new Bilstein at the top of the shock tower and now the bottom of the shock won't reach the bracket to install the two bottom bolts. The shock is about 4" too short. I compared the new shock to the old one and they are the same size, the old one is now too short to go back in also. What to do? I am using the service manual and it says I will have to jack up the suspension knuckle in the rear, but doesn't mention anything about the front. Help!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 347
From: SC
I just replaced my shocks on my 87 yesterday. I didn't even remove the front wheel. I just placed a jack under the front at the jacking point and just SLIGHTLY raised it as I loosened the top nut. I raised it SLIGHTLY to install the new one. Once I got it in, I fastened the bottom first then lowered it a bit at a time as I tightened the top. Seemed to work for me. I think the rear was easier IMO.
