I want to get my shocks replaced this week. I have a friend that has the tools needed to do the job but I don't know if it's worth the headache. Is it too difficult to do myself (with help from a friend)? or should I just get a shop to do em? Price isn't really too much of a concern...

& I'm talking about the front. I'm doing the rear myself...

thanks!

 

Make sure that you have a spring compressor. Some people recommend the wall or floor mounted version. (something like this http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-a...sor-65549.html ) But thats pretty much a personal preference.

Id personally do it my self. I just like doin things like that by my own self and a buddy. My main problem is that i dont have all of the tools necessary, especially a floor jack and some Jack stands, but that might change this year...I hope. I also dont have a big enough compressor, only a 1.5 hp 2 gallon compressor (or less). That wouldnt work too good with an Impact wrench.

 

I hear the springs on these trucks are haerd to get spring compressors to work with. I personally would not attempt this job myself. To each their own. If I don't feel comfortable doing something, I don't do it. Like Frank said, IF you have the right tools and you feel confortable, go for it. If not, this particular job is dangerous and you could get hurt.

 

As long as you have a spring compressor and somewhere reasonably warm (So your not rushing) do it yourself. Replace the mounts while your in there, it's an extra $50 if you get the expensive ones from Rockauto. Make sure you have struts not shocks to go in there.

 

I guess I will find out. I have some ideas to remedy the problem if I can't get the simple compressors I got to work. I may grind some material off for it to fit better, or use a ratchet strap to hold them on.

On my S10 spring, I didn't even use a spring compressor, I wrapped 2 ratchet strap bands around each side of the spring and ratcheted them down to get the squish. I couldnt get them off after I re-installed them but they were $10 a set of 4 so I just cut them off.

I wouldn't recommend doing that though. In hindsight I could have hurt myself pretty bad, young and dumb.

 

LOL i did both...DIY and bring the strut to swap the coilspring to the new munroe strut after i almost killed my self with a cheap spring compressor!!!!

That sounds like perfect time for TM leveling kit