I installed the rear shocks last week, which made a great deal of a difference. Today I had time and the weather was right to do the front. 5 hours for set up, install, cleanup, test drive, oil change and even dump 2.5 gallons of DEF in my truck.
I disconnect the top ball joint, tie rod end, drop all 4 bolts holding up the sway bar and then disconnect the lower pinch bolt from its arm. I then spread it with a punch and hit that arm with a hammer. It eventually clears the strut and I drop the strut from the tower.
My el cheapo spring compressor works like a charm and the rest of the swap just takes time. My tie rod ends, ball joints and sway bar end links all appear to be decent shape still, which is nice.
The one shock is absolutely shot, while the other still had life left in it. Both struts were well worn and past ready to change.
I disconnect the top ball joint, tie rod end, drop all 4 bolts holding up the sway bar and then disconnect the lower pinch bolt from its arm. I then spread it with a punch and hit that arm with a hammer. It eventually clears the strut and I drop the strut from the tower.
My el cheapo spring compressor works like a charm and the rest of the swap just takes time. My tie rod ends, ball joints and sway bar end links all appear to be decent shape still, which is nice.
The one shock is absolutely shot, while the other still had life left in it. Both struts were well worn and past ready to change.