After waiting for the correct alignment of the sun, moon and stars, it was finally time to remove the old shocks and springs and replace them with a set of Pedders +2. We started this at 17:30 yesterday and completed by 20:50. Amazingly, we did not have to cut out the rear shocks but managed to unbolt them, though the drivers side one needed a little persuasion but we still unscrewed it in the end.
First, we tackled the rear shocks as these were likely to be the most difficult to change, so, lift up her ass.
It looks as though the rear springs may have been replaced at some point in the past as the level of surface corrosion was not as consistent with the rest of the chassis...
The access was very difficult as anybody else who has done this knows, but the top nut on the LHS shock came off in reasonable time. Basically, my friend (a very fantastic Mr Steve Twort) got a socket on the top and held tight, and with some twisting on both our parts (I was twisting the shock housing directly) we broke the tension and we got it unscrewed by my turning the shock body....
Rear shock removed.....
Out with the old spring, in with the new.....
The drivers side shock was even trickier for access because of the exhaust system, plus my mate is as large as Chewbacca with hands to match. However, no amount of twisting or turning was having any effect on the nut and it wouldn't break free. So, another angle of approach was required..........
The application of the clamp crushed the shock body, but it had the desired effect of providing 'flats' to get to grips with. So, renewed vigorous twisting ensued, and finally the tension broke and again we got the top nut off.
The corrosion on the upper shock mount does not look too bad, and for the first time I noticed that there are actually drain holes in them. Now I know they are there, I'll keep an eye on them and try to ensure they stay debris free......
Both rear shocks and springs successfully replaced in 2.5 hours. Now to the front suspension....
Truck off the ground, jacked up, axle stand in place, wheel off exposing the old shock....
A simple job to undo a few nuts with only one being a little rounded but still no real hassle, and job done.
So all in all a successful evenings work. Straight off the bat, the ride is a little stiffer, and she seems to handle the corners better. Now I have room to replace the tires next with AT 265/75 R16's. Happy days
