Changing shocks, hep me. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cliffsta · 11-08-2004, 07:35 PM

A ight. Apparently changing my shocks isn't as easy as it was conveyed to me by many people. Sucks when people assume you know things. So, how the heck do you do it? You need 2 jacks? What do i torque the bolts to when i put the new ones on? Help! I might as well take the wheels off so i can check my brakes, cause they are starting to squeal.

low 84 · 11-08-2004, 07:50 PM

you dont need any jacks. just unbolt the shock and the top and bottom eyes. the shock dosen't support any load so you don't need to jack anything. you might have to put some pressure on the shock with you hand to get the bolt to slide out easily

cliffsta · 11-08-2004, 08:17 PM

You sure? I don't wanna catch a shock in the face when i loosen a bolt.

SCOTI · 11-08-2004, 08:33 PM

Nope, he's right. Just unbolt the ends, compress the shock slightly, & wiggle the shock until all the crap & crust breaks loose & it will come right off. Installation is opposite of removal w/o all the dirt.

Did the new shocks not come w/destructions?

low 84 · 11-08-2004, 08:55 PM

yeah i'm sure, i've replaced 1 or 2 before...... actually more like 50+, lol

cliffsta · 11-08-2004, 09:17 PM

well, some el crapo squiggle drawings on the box, if those count as destructions. Well, i feel much better. Anything else i gotta do? Just striaght out and in? If so, ill do it tomorrow after school.

Paso76GMCstepper · 11-09-2004, 02:21 AM

yes its that simple. They will not shoot out and get you.

Tony

MylilBowTie · 11-09-2004, 07:34 AM

If they need replaced, they probably are very weak and will compress very easy. The new shocks should be alot more stiff, but compressable by hand. Clean the bolt threads that are showing to help when removing the lower shock bolt and nut.

KShortell · 11-09-2004, 05:17 PM

Another little trick in installing new shocks is to leave the plastic banding on the new shock in place until you're installing it. This will save you some of the effort in compressing it. Install one end, then cut the band and guide the other end into place.

You may need an impact wrench if some of the nuts are really rusty. But, there's really not much to it. What you see is what you get!

Good luck!
Kevin

**76sierraclassic** · 11-09-2004, 05:37 PM

The only other thing that could potentially give you trouble is if the original bolts/studs are bad and you have to replace them. Other than that, it's as easy as the guys have already said.

Good luck....

Mike

cliffsta · 11-09-2004, 06:08 PM

What torque do i tighten the bolts up to?

dswancutt · 11-10-2004, 12:07 AM

Cliffsta;

Rear shocks:
Upper Attachment - 150 ft/lbs
Lower Attachment - 115 ft/lbs

Front shocks:
Upper Attachment - 140 ft/lbs
Lower Attachment - 60 ft/lbs

From the 1980 Light Duty Service Manual

Hope this helps.

Doug

DennyB · 11-10-2004, 12:21 AM

cliffsta, exact torque on the bolts is not that critisal on shocks as it would be on heads for instance.
If you have the type (generally the top on the front) that has the rubber bushings and nut over the shock piston shaft, the tighten til you just start to compress the rubber bushings then tighten the lock nut.
You dont want to mash the bushings flat.
One other piece of advice I can share with you is something my Father told me when I first started wrenching.
He said: now remember, Tight is fixed, too tight is broke.

mhicks · 11-10-2004, 10:59 AM

Let me tell you a story about shocks. About 30 years ago when I was in High School me and a friend of mine decided we were going to add some fluid to the shocks on the front of his dirt bike. I was sitting on the bike when we took the first big bolt off of the top of one shock and I was leaning over the shock. Well, I thought that it might pop out when we took the bolt off so I leaned back as we loosened it. Well when it came loose it shot up about an inch. Little did we know that all of the weight went on the other shock so when we took loose the other shock the spring shot up and hit me in the cheek and then hit the ceiling of the garage. Man did that ever hurt. Well I went to the hospital for stitches and blood was everywhere. Big ol' black eye. It just took a couple of stitches but boy did I learn a lesson about front shocks on motorcycles. I still have a scar to this day.

hotrodhomi · 11-10-2004, 11:15 AM

Dont scare the kid.

I dont think he will be taking apart his shocks. But, good story anyway.

cliffsta · 11-10-2004, 05:56 PM

Well, it was successful last night. Ill make a nice story thread later tonight.

11-08-2004, 07:35 PM	#1
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Changing shocks, hep me. A ight. Apparently changing my shocks isn't as easy as it was conveyed to me by many people. Sucks when people assume you know things. So, how the heck do you do it? You need 2 jacks? What do i torque the bolts to when i put the new ones on? Help! I might as well take the wheels off so i can check my brakes, cause they are starting to squeal. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

11-08-2004, 07:50 PM	#2
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	you dont need any jacks. just unbolt the shock and the top and bottom eyes. the shock dosen't support any load so you don't need to jack anything. you might have to put some pressure on the shock with you hand to get the bolt to slide out easily __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

11-08-2004, 08:17 PM	#3
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	You sure? I don't wanna catch a shock in the face when i loosen a bolt. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

11-08-2004, 08:33 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Nope, he's right. Just unbolt the ends, compress the shock slightly, & wiggle the shock until all the crap & crust breaks loose & it will come right off. Installation is opposite of removal w/o all the dirt. Did the new shocks not come w/destructions? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

11-08-2004, 08:55 PM	#5
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	yeah i'm sure, i've replaced 1 or 2 before...... actually more like 50+, lol __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

11-08-2004, 09:17 PM	#6
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	well, some el crapo squiggle drawings on the box, if those count as destructions. Well, i feel much better. Anything else i gotta do? Just striaght out and in? If so, ill do it tomorrow after school. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

11-09-2004, 02:21 AM	#7
Paso76GMCstepper Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Paso Robles, CA Posts: 347	yes its that simple. They will not shoot out and get you. Tony

11-09-2004, 07:34 AM	#8
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	If they need replaced, they probably are very weak and will compress very easy. The new shocks should be alot more stiff, but compressable by hand. Clean the bolt threads that are showing to help when removing the lower shock bolt and nut. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

11-09-2004, 05:17 PM	#9
KShortell Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 734	Another little trick in installing new shocks is to leave the plastic banding on the new shock in place until you're installing it. This will save you some of the effort in compressing it. Install one end, then cut the band and guide the other end into place. You may need an impact wrench if some of the nuts are really rusty. But, there's really not much to it. What you see is what you get! Good luck! Kevin __________________ Semper Paratus

11-09-2004, 05:37 PM	#10
76sierraclassic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: White Hall, AR Posts: 316	The only other thing that could potentially give you trouble is if the original bolts/studs are bad and you have to replace them. Other than that, it's as easy as the guys have already said. Good luck.... Mike

11-09-2004, 06:08 PM	#11
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	What torque do i tighten the bolts up to? __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

11-10-2004, 12:07 AM	#12
dswancutt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Franklin, NE Posts: 387	Changing shocks Cliffsta; Rear shocks: Upper Attachment - 150 ft/lbs Lower Attachment - 115 ft/lbs Front shocks: Upper Attachment - 140 ft/lbs Lower Attachment - 60 ft/lbs From the 1980 Light Duty Service Manual Hope this helps. Doug Last edited by dswancutt; 11-10-2004 at 12:11 AM.

11-10-2004, 12:21 AM	#13
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	cliffsta, exact torque on the bolts is not that critisal on shocks as it would be on heads for instance. If you have the type (generally the top on the front) that has the rubber bushings and nut over the shock piston shaft, the tighten til you just start to compress the rubber bushings then tighten the lock nut. You dont want to mash the bushings flat. One other piece of advice I can share with you is something my Father told me when I first started wrenching. He said: now remember, Tight is fixed, too tight is broke. __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

11-10-2004, 10:59 AM	#14
mhicks Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Weatherford,Tx Posts: 747	Let me tell you a story about shocks. About 30 years ago when I was in High School me and a friend of mine decided we were going to add some fluid to the shocks on the front of his dirt bike. I was sitting on the bike when we took the first big bolt off of the top of one shock and I was leaning over the shock. Well, I thought that it might pop out when we took the bolt off so I leaned back as we loosened it. Well when it came loose it shot up about an inch. Little did we know that all of the weight went on the other shock so when we took loose the other shock the spring shot up and hit me in the cheek and then hit the ceiling of the garage. Man did that ever hurt. Well I went to the hospital for stitches and blood was everywhere. Big ol' black eye. It just took a couple of stitches but boy did I learn a lesson about front shocks on motorcycles. I still have a scar to this day.

11-10-2004, 11:15 AM	#15
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Dont scare the kid. I dont think he will be taking apart his shocks. But, good story anyway.



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11-10-2004, 05:56 PM	#16
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Well, it was successful last night. Ill make a nice story thread later tonight. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

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