replacing shocks

[cisco]

i searched the forum for a thread on this but didnt come up with anything for the stock, uncut, unlifted bronc.

..and im a newb just starting out.

bought shocks to replace the ones a mechanic told me were busted. then i decided to just go ahead and buy new ones all around.

do i need to jack the truck up, put it on stands? or is it better to leave it on its wheels?

the new shock looks shorter than the one on the truck now.. im thinking after i take the wire off it will expand though..

(-im talking about the front shocks by the way up there)

the box for the shocks says proper torque is needed- but i have no torque wrench..

basically, i think i am overthinking this procedure! it looks to be as simple as take the old ones off and put the new ones on.

im on my own on this one with a little help from a willing neighbor, nobody i know even has many tools..

i really appreciate the help!

 

[67EB_in_619]

Shocks dont hold weight.. so you can just take them off with the truck on the ground.. but might be easier if you put it on jack stands so you can take the tires off.

When you take the wire off.. they will expand... and will take some muscle to compress.. not a lot.. but some.

Just tighten them down so that the bushing JUST STARTS to compress a little.. you dont want to over tighten.. but tight enough so the bolt doesnt fall off.. just watch the bushing... when it FIRST STARTS to compress.. stop and you are done. Check it in a week or so to make sure it is still tight... no biggie.

Buy some tools now... you WILL need them. I think the 10 piece socket/wrench sets from Kragen/Checker etc are fine.. they have a warranty and are affordable.. plus you WILL be at the parts store often enough anyway.

 

[broncow72]

Shocks dont hold weight.. so you can just take them off with the truck on the ground.. but might be easier if you put it on jack stands so you can take the tires off.

When you take the wire off.. they will expand... and will take some muscle to compress.. not a lot.. but some.

Just tighten them down so that the bushing JUST STARTS to compress a little.. you dont want to over tighten.. but tight enough so the bolt doesnt fall off.. just watch the bushing... when it FIRST STARTS to compress.. stop and you are done. Check it in a week or so to make sure it is still tight... no biggie.

Buy some tools now... you WILL need them. I think the 10 piece socket/wrench sets from Kragen/Checker etc are fine.. they have a warranty and are affordable.. plus you WILL be at the parts store often enough anyway.

Everything stated above is right on the money except my differing opinion on the tools. I would not buy tools from the autoparts store. The cheaper ones are useless and the good ones are too pricey. I think you can get a great set from Home Depot by Husky. Lifetime warrany, made by the same folks that make Craftsman. Or... I found a larger tool set in Cosco, made by Crescent. It was cheap in comparison to others and the quality is top notch. It's just my opinion and do agree that tools WILL be needed so don't waste money on low quality tools. Spend the money once and pass them on to your kids. The first few bloody knuckles will prove this.

 

[cisco]

thanks again guys.

i was just overdoing it in my head

right after i posted that i just went out to the driveway and did it, took about a half an hour - piece of cake. i will have to go loosen them up i think, i really cranked them down and wasnt watching how tight the bushings were getting.

tools, yeah. i will have to start buying them.

..and what a difference new shocks made! a very smooth ride, and since im on a budget here, i just bought the low/mid grade ones.

..wonder how long theyll last?