Anyone have any tricks or tips for installing the rear shocks on these year model trucks? Looks like a major PIA after crawling under mine today to check after I ordered shocks online.

 

Remove the bed or use the access holes in the frame rails. I found it easier to use a Craftsman Crossforce wrench with the angle pointed down (backwards of how you'd normally use it). But any combo wrench would work okay, just it takes a little more patience.

 

to get the old ones out, i took a die grinder and put a flat spot on the shiny part so i could grab it with vise grips and turned the nut on top with a breaker bar. on one side the nut rounded off so i had to cut it apart and if you cut through the rubber just under where it goes through the frame with a die grinder it all comes apart like it needs too.

 

Spray nuts and bolts with PB Blaster early! I left the bed on mine. It's do-able but very tight spaces. I had to use channel locks or vice grips to hold the shock while I turned the top nut. Also helps to lower the spare tire and get that out of the way.

On the new shock.....DO NOT CUT THE RETAINING BAND YET! Install the bottom of the new shock first and leave it a little loose so you can move it to aim the top of the shock at the hole. Cut the band and hit with a rubber mallet if needed to release the shock and guide it up to the top hole.

Edit: What shocks did you order?

 

Thanks guys, might try and see if i can use the trusty sawzall on the old top studs if all else fails.. got this truck from the rust belt and everything is usually seized up.

Bought some Rancho RS5000's 4wheelparts.com had a pretty good deal on them and the company is offering a buy 3 get one free deal for October. Really wish the Bilsteins were on sale right now, I drove it back from NC to Fla with a broken front pass. side shock the other day so I needed something soon.

 

revmove the bed? lol

i just snuck a 8 or 10mm or w/e it was in there and broke the only ones. i had to hold the shock collar with a C-clamp because it just kept spinning with the top nut.

the bottom bolt is easy the top one is a PITA