Replacing Struts and Shocks
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Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,191
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From: Nova Scotia, CANADA
Replacing Struts and Shocks
I did search, But didnt find a thread that said what needs to be done todo them.
Im looking at buying a Leveling Kit, and Monroe Sensatrack Quick Struts (Strut, Spring, Mounting plate and such already assembled and compressed) and Sensatrack Load Leveler shocks.
The shocks I can figure out easy and where to install the leveling kit.
The Struts is what im more interested in what needs to be disconnected to get the old out, and new in.
I did find a thread with a few pictures, But I couldnt see what he had all disconnected (Other then the Sway bar link)
Other then replacing the entire front on my parents old 2k (Hood, Fenders, Rad, Rad supports, Grille, Bumper, ect), I have not worked on any vehicles.
The Leveling kit, is to help compensate for the Push/Brush Guard im installing to. Im not sure if I should get 1.5" or 2" yet. I dont want anymore then 2" at most.
Also when I Install the Struts, Ill have both front fenders, and the bumper off to as I will be replacing the lower Rad support and under-coating the front.
So much work this summer to come. Ill be doing it on my Vacation most likely so ill have 9-14 days to do everything I have planned, which is alot.
Im looking at buying a Leveling Kit, and Monroe Sensatrack Quick Struts (Strut, Spring, Mounting plate and such already assembled and compressed) and Sensatrack Load Leveler shocks.
The shocks I can figure out easy and where to install the leveling kit.
The Struts is what im more interested in what needs to be disconnected to get the old out, and new in.
I did find a thread with a few pictures, But I couldnt see what he had all disconnected (Other then the Sway bar link)
Other then replacing the entire front on my parents old 2k (Hood, Fenders, Rad, Rad supports, Grille, Bumper, ect), I have not worked on any vehicles.
The Leveling kit, is to help compensate for the Push/Brush Guard im installing to. Im not sure if I should get 1.5" or 2" yet. I dont want anymore then 2" at most.
Also when I Install the Struts, Ill have both front fenders, and the bumper off to as I will be replacing the lower Rad support and under-coating the front.
So much work this summer to come. Ill be doing it on my Vacation most likely so ill have 9-14 days to do everything I have planned, which is alot.
Professional
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
All I did was undo the upper control arm, the tie rod, and the sway bar. You can use a hammer but I just rented one of these to pop out the upper ball joint and tie rod: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6295-Front.../dp/B0002SRH7O
Only other thing is to have a ratchet strap or two (heavy duty) to put everything back together with the leveling kit on there. With my 2.5" kit, I had to wrap the strap over the strut assembly (attached to the frame) and under the jack supporting the lower control arm. Jacking it up this way will compress the strut and spring, allowing you to connect everything back up.
I used these as a references:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...installed.html
http://www.readylift.com/files/instr...2_11-15-07.pdf
Note that I did NOT take off the caliper. However, you must be careful not to break the brake line. Just be aware of it at all times and you'll do fine.
Only other thing is to have a ratchet strap or two (heavy duty) to put everything back together with the leveling kit on there. With my 2.5" kit, I had to wrap the strap over the strut assembly (attached to the frame) and under the jack supporting the lower control arm. Jacking it up this way will compress the strut and spring, allowing you to connect everything back up.
I used these as a references:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...installed.html
http://www.readylift.com/files/instr...2_11-15-07.pdf
Note that I did NOT take off the caliper. However, you must be careful not to break the brake line. Just be aware of it at all times and you'll do fine.