| Author | Message | ||
     Chris Gregg (Tofergregg) New Member Username: Tofergregg Post Number: 10 Registered: 05-2003 |
In an earlier thread ("Which shocks?"), there are a couple of references to replacing your own. Can I do this on my '96 Disco: A) without lifting the truck (or with the stock jack)? B) with a normal rachet set, vice grip, and pliers? If I need more tools, I might splurge, but I'd rather not buy $200 worth of tools for this job (although it is probably a good investment!). Thanks! -Chris p.s. I'm probably going with the Bilsteins p.p.s. any tips on the job would be appreciated! | ||
| Zach Jaggers (Mountenn) Member Username: Mountenn Post Number: 216 Registered: 03-2003 |
Changing shocks is pretty straightforward. The only pains in the ass that I came across was the front shocks spinning (no shock tool) and the funky angle that the bolt is for the upper rear shock mount. If you can get around these two things, you've got it made. | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 285 Registered: 03-2002 |
it is easier on a DI than a DII because on a DI the lower front shock bolt is a post style and sometimes the nut is frozen to the post (re: zach's observation). on the DII it is an inverted "T" with two bolts and captive nuts welded to the shock perch. the hardest part on a DII is removing the upper shock tower assembly because there is a lot of crap in the way. check the tech section on this site and on expeditionexchange.com for changing shocks and for doing a lift. you will find a few and the tech for lifting usually has a bit on replacing shocks too. it is not hard, but if you are unsure of your abilities, make sure you have plenty of time and you are not in a rush. mike | ||
| Tom Fioretti (Tom_in_md) Member Username: Tom_in_md Post Number: 65 Registered: 02-2003 |
Use a strap wrench, you know those rubber kind, they sell at Sears. Use the small size to keep the front shock body from spinning. | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 286 Registered: 03-2002 |
whoops... i was trying to say that it is easier on a DII because of the shock turning/strap wrench/bla bla bla issues on the DI... i gotta start paying attention to things. | ||
| Brian Goodner (Bluewater) Member Username: Bluewater Post Number: 151 Registered: 03-2003 |
yea tom is right the strap wrenches do work well but i would have a better jack then the one that comes with your disco...but then again if thats all you got then you could do it | ||
| Zach Jaggers (Mountenn) Senior Member Username: Mountenn Post Number: 256 Registered: 03-2003 |
Have you ever changed shocks Brian? | ||
| Brian Goodner (Bluewater) Member Username: Bluewater Post Number: 181 Registered: 03-2003 |
right rear went out i replaced it with a factory shock, as i was not ready to upgrade yet | ||
| Zach Jaggers (Mountenn) Senior Member Username: Mountenn Post Number: 259 Registered: 03-2003 |
Always replace in sets. That's rule number 1. | ||
| Chris Gregg (Tofergregg) New Member Username: Tofergregg Post Number: 11 Registered: 05-2003 |
Cool - thanks for the tips. I'm mechnically inclined enough to get myself in trouble. I might just buy the shocks and have someone do it for me; we'll see which wins out, my laziness or my cheapness.  -Chris | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 287 Registered: 03-2002 |
hey chris... go out, take a wheel off, look around, look at the tech guides, look at your truck...there is nothing there that is too hard. lefty loosie, righty tighty...tighten things as hard as they were to loosen (but a torque wrench is pretty good to have around!). depending on what you want to do with your rover (grocery getter or off road crawler) it never hurts to have some level of ability and understanding of what makes your truck work. even if you decide to let someone else do the work, take a weekend afternoon and poke around. mike | ||
| Chris Gregg (Tofergregg) New Member Username: Tofergregg Post Number: 12 Registered: 05-2003 |
Mike - you're right, I should get more familiar with the truck, and it is always good to have a few more skills in my bag. I may be able to devote a weekend to the job in the next month or so, so I'll probably give it a shot. Thanks! -Chris | ||
| Zach Jaggers (Mountenn) Senior Member Username: Mountenn Post Number: 271 Registered: 03-2003 |
Good luck Chris--let us know how your experience turns out! | ||
| Joe M. (Little_joe) Member Username: Little_joe Post Number: 121 Registered: 11-2002 |
Chris, this is definitely DIY. Maybe this will help: http://www.4x4wire.com/rover/disco/tech/ome/ joe | ||
| Mike Neher (Neherly) New Member Username: Neherly Post Number: 32 Registered: 05-2003 |
Joe, great directions for the DIY. Thanks. |
