HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement

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HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement

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Blazer >> Mechanical & Maintenance >> Steering, Suspension & Drivetrain >> HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement

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HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement - 3/26/2008 8:13:05 AM

portcqb

Posts: 410
Joined: 3/13/2008
Status: offline

This thread is a how to for changing your front shocks on 4x4's.
Tools Needed:

18mm socket and ratchet
18mm closed end wrench
Zip ties (preferably long ones)
WD-40 or other penetrating oil
Jack setup

Removal-

Step 1: Jack up auto and place safety blocks or such to prevent auto from falling.
Step 2: Removal wheel
Step 3: Spray WD-40 or other penetrating oil on the nut side of the two shock mounts
Step 4: Place closed end wrench on nut of lower shock mount, and place ratchet on bolt and then losen and remove bolt

Step 5: Place closed end wrench on nut of upper shock mount, and place ratchet on bolt and then losen and remove bolt

Step 6: Pull shock out of mounts and compress shock, if shock doesnt stay compressed long enough to pull down and out go to step 7
Step 7(optional): Place multiple zip ties together and feed through both shock mounting eyes, and then compress and tighten zip ties and remove shock

Installation-

Step 1: Compress new shock and place into shock mounts
Step 2: Place bolt through upper mount and add nut
Step 3: Place bolt through lower mount and add nut
Step 4: Tighten both bolts to 54 ft. lbs.
Step 5: Reinstall wheel
Step 6: Remove safety blocks and lower auto

_____________________________

1997 Olds Bravada AWD 4.3L Auto ~35,100mi(high idle time), CAI, Quad Beam Moded Mod

Post #: 1

RE: HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement - 3/26/2008 10:18:29 AM

lennyblazer

Posts: 1988
Joined: 5/6/2007
From: Appleton, WI / Houghton, MI
Status: offline

Looks good, but I think we might want to combine this with a replacing rear shocks how to as well. Also the technique should be about the same front and rear on a 2wd, the 2wd just wont have the cv axles and massive hub bearing in the way. Othwerwise it looks good.

_____________________________

-Lenny
4.3L Auto. 3.73Gears

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2358267

(in reply to portcqb)

Post #: 2

RE: HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement - 3/26/2008 11:20:50 AM

portcqb

Posts: 410
Joined: 3/13/2008
Status: offline

Doesnt the 2wd have a single bolt come out of the top of the shock rather than the eye that a bolt goes through? I don't have a 2wd so im not familure with that. I can add the rears it just has a few more steps like supporting the axle and bashing your hand against the spare tire.

_____________________________

1997 Olds Bravada AWD 4.3L Auto ~35,100mi(high idle time), CAI, Quad Beam Moded Mod

(in reply to lennyblazer)

Post #: 3

RE: HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement - 3/26/2008 5:38:05 PM

skybum02

Posts: 7
Joined: 3/13/2007
Status: offline

Any threads or tips on replacing the rear shocks? Doesn't look too bad, just need a way to compress the shocks with cheap zip ties.

Steve

(in reply to portcqb)

Post #: 4

RE: HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement - 3/26/2008 6:57:18 PM

portcqb

Posts: 410
Joined: 3/13/2008
Status: offline

well you need to support axle so it doesnt over extend brake lines. Depending on the spare you have it might be easier if you remove the spare first since the two upper bolts on each shock are up next to it.

_____________________________

1997 Olds Bravada AWD 4.3L Auto ~35,100mi(high idle time), CAI, Quad Beam Moded Mod

(in reply to skybum02)

Post #: 5

RE: HOW TO: Front 4x4 Shock Replacement - 3/26/2008 7:28:01 PM

Tippman7641