| From | Message |
02QCDak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/19/2004
21:01:53
|
 Subject: Shock Installation
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi All,
I did a brief search and didn't turn up the answer to my specific question so I thought I would pose it to the group hoping someone could give me a hand.
I recently order front and rear Edelbrock shocks for my 02 Quad Cab and would like to install them myself. I do some basic wrenching on my Truck and my wife's Grand Cherokee, however I have never done this before so I was hoping someone could just give me a quick sanity check about the steps I should take and any tips or tricks to keep in mind.
I hate to post such a seemingly simple question, but I figured if I didn't ask, I probably could manage my way through the process, however with the collective knowledge here, I'd probably get the job done right and a heck of a lot quicker.
Thanks
Dave
|
Paull
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/19/2004
23:44:47
|  RE: Shock Installation
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm gonna assume it's a 2 wheel drive.
From 03' (should be the same) service manual
Front Removal
1.remove the upper shock nut, retainer and grommet from the shock absorber stud.
2.raise and support the vehicle.
3. remove the lower mounting bolts and remove shock absorber through the lower suspension arm
For install repeat steps backwards.
Rear removal (the rears are a pain in the a$$)
1.raise and support rear axle
2.remove shock absorber lower nut and bolt from axle bracket
3.remove shock absorber upper nut and bolt from frame bracket and remove shock absorber
For install repeat steps backwards
|
02QCDak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/20/2004
05:41:16
| RE: Shock Installation
IP: Logged
Message:
Paull,
Thanks. This is all great info. I should have included the fact that it is a 4wd, 3.9l V6. I am not sure if that changes the landscape at all, but I hope it doesn't.
A few questions to clarify.
On the fronts, when removing the retaining clip, does it require any specific tools?
When you say the rears are a pain in the a$$, any specific reason why, or is it simply due to the set up?
Do I need anything more than my handy craftsmen tools to get the job done?
Thanks again,
Dave
|
Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/20/2004
09:03:31
| RE: Shock Installation
IP: Logged
Message:
Not sure why the "pain in the ..." comment above. I changed my 02 AWD to Edelbrock IAS's last year, and it was a simple shock change.
The only pains that I noticed was 1) make sure you keep the restraining straps on the shock until you have mounted one end and are ready to position the other end. The pressure in the shocks makes compressing it difficult if it's allowed to extend. 2) You may think that the upper bolt on the rear is a pain, but their is an "arm" on the nut that stops it from turning. I assumed that this arm was there so that only one wrench was required to loosen/tighten.
The only other note is to ensure that you have the right sized, and number of, sockets and wrenchs before you start taking off wheels and shocks. I thought that I did, ended up being wrong, and had to put it back together to make a trip to the tool place.
|
Paul
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/20/2004
13:06:50
| RE: Shock Installation
IP: Logged
Message:
I just say that about the rear cuz' you gotta jamb your hand up to the top bolt on the rears to un bolt. There just was'nt a lot of room on my truck. It's not THAT bad. You don't need any special tools. I'm not sure on which sockets you need but they are all common ones. I think the 4x4 is the same. I'll post the torque specs if you want those too.
Paul
|
another mark
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/20/2004
19:51:34
| RE: Shock Installation
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm sure this won't happen to you but make sure your new shocks aren't leaking before you even install them. Crazier things have happened.
|
NJQCDak
GenIII
4/20/2004
20:58:32
| RE: Shock Installation
IP: Logged
Message:
Follow all the great advice given above and you will be fine. This maybe a helpful hint for the front shocks. When loosing the top nut and the shock shaft is turning, use a small open end wrench to hold the top shaft and keep it from turning.
'01 QC Sport, 3.9L V6, 5spd, 2wd, Volant Intake, SS Gibson exhaust, MSD Wires, Accel 300 ignition, NAPA Cap, F&B Billet 48mm TB , JBA Ti Ceramic Headers, Autolites 3923s, R/T front swaybar & Quickor rear swaybar, KYB Monomax shocks, Stillen front bumper, Crower 1.7 rockers, Superchips Microtuner
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
