Installing shock truck

Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since , including several cover vehicles. In Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work. Step 1 Crawl underneath the rear of the truck and locate the rear shocks. Step 2 Unbolt the stock shocks.

Step 3 Install the new air shocks in place of the stock shock. Step 4 The air shocks come with a set of rubber O-rings and some airline. Step 5 Run the airlines to the rear of the truck, preferably to the bumper, securing them along the way with zip ties.

Step 6 Locate the fill valve that comes with the air shocks onto the bumper. Step 7 Take the airlines you ran from the air shocks and install them onto the T-valve the same way the airline was installed into the shocks. Then, remove the bottom shock bolt and give it a few taps with a hammer. Step 6: When you are doing the whole process, protect the threads or use new hardware. Install the two main mounting hardware and attach the new shock to the truck, starting with the upper shock bolts and washers.

Use your hands to tighten them. Re-mount the bottom of the shock into the new shock extension. Step 7: Repeat this procedure for the other side of the vehicle and remove any tools or packaging debris or materials out from or under the vehicle. Recheck the whole installation and make sure that all the bolts, nuts, and other vital hardware are fit into the place. Step 8: Lower the vehicle, put the stands and jacks in their places, and go for a test drive.

It is essential to read the instruction before and after the process so that you can find out the missing information if any! It is mandatory for your safety purposes. Never avoid safety equipment like eye gears, hand gloves, and face protection. They are necessary when you are involved in such mechanical activities. Have a helper around you during the installation process, if possible! He can help you to get the needed stuff when you are installing the shocks laying under the truck.

So this is the detailed guideline for replacing shocks on a truck. I hope this article can solve your doubts. Changing the shocks or any other hardware as easy as DIY bedliner , if you follow the instruction or step by step guide given by the manufacturer. Your email address will not be published. Last Updated: October 8, References. This article was co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance.

He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. If you need to replace your car's shock absorbers but don't want to pay an expensive mechanic's fee, you can do so on your own with a little effort. Shocks are essential to a car's performance, giving it a smooth and even ride.

Over time, however, the vehicle's suspensions become worn out. You may notice potholes and speed bumps are more severe and uncomfortable to drive over. In this case, you'll want to replace your shocks, which you can do at home in an afternoon with the right materials and a little elbow grease! If your car suddenly feels less smooth or even, or potholes feel more noticeable, chances are your shocks have become worn out. Luckily, replacing your shocks is easy with a little bit of time and know-how.

To replace your shocks, you'll need to first purchase a new pair, which can be identical to what you're currently using or a performance upgrade, if you're interested. When you're ready to get to work, you'll need a jack to remove the wheels, WD to help loosen the mountings, and a socket and ratchet to remove the old shocks. Start by removing the bolts from the shock tower. Disconnect the shock from the suspension and remove the shock absorber from the bottom and top bolts.

Once you remove your old shocks, fit the new shock back onto the suspension control arm. To learn how to check your torque specs, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings.

Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Make sure you need new shocks. You might have noticed going over potholes and bumps isn't as smooth as it used to be in your ride, which is probably a sign that your shocks are worn out and need replaced.

A good easy way to test your shocks and make sure they're worn out enough to be replaced is to push down hard on the trunk or the hood directly above the wheel well.

Good shocks should bounce up once and settle relatively quickly. If the body bounces any more than that after pushing, it's time for a new set. Your car may even have a combination, using shocks in the front and struts in the back. Struts can be difficult to replace, so it's best to let a professional handle that job.

Purchase new shock absorbers. If you're unsure what type of shock absorbers you need, speak to someone at your local auto parts store or an auto mechanic to be sure you buy the right shock absorbers or piston for your vehicle. Consider upgrading your shocks. You can get identical replacements of the shocks you have in your car currently, but taking the time to change out your shocks is also a good opportunity to perform any upgrades, if you're interested.

Performance shocks are appropriate for heavy-use daily drive vehicles, especially trucks. These are adjustable, which means you can alter the height of your truck for optimum performance. These are common on off-road vehicles. It runs cool and is a popular performance choice for trucks. As the shock absorbs bounce, the fluid contacts the gas, causing resistance and dampening the spring action. Jack your vehicle in an appropriate location.