First Time Rear Shocks

[godbout.t]

Hey Guys,

Tommorrow I'm planning on replacing my rear shocks in my 04 ranger and i was wondering if there is a specific spot i should place jack stand?

Some say i don't need them, others say under the leafs...any insights would be great!

Thanks

 

[88_Eddie]

i wouldnt even bother with them

 

[godbout.t]

for safety reasons i may put some under the frame. but i don't need ot compress the old ones to get them out?

 

[88_Eddie]

your shocks are not structural, they dont hold anything up. the leaf springs do.

you can compress and extend them by hand. just undo the bolts and they'll come right out, you'll probably have to extended the new ones as they tend to want to compress when they arent bolted up

 

[godbout.t]

thanks man

 

[caser876]

Yes use jack stands. last year i had to go to somebodys house to finish a brake job cause the guy that was doing it had his leg crushed by the rear axle of the f150 while pulling on the rear rotor because it was only up on a jack on the axle. Its one of those simple things that doesnt happen very often but when it does the results change you forever. Just put the stands under the rear axle where the springs mount n block the front wheels. Easy n quick n youll be worry free.

 

[88_Eddie]

wait, are you planning on removing the tires? in that case, yeah, use jack stands for sure.

i took off my shocks without jacking it up or removing tires, could be different for a ranger though

 

[bilzy7]

Ya and when you get your new shocks, note how easy they are to hand compress. I could do it np to my rears. Fronts... I could not get those Motha effas to budge.

 

[falcon7204]

When I replaced the rear shocks on my Ranger, I didn't use jack stands or remove the rear tires. I just loosened and removed the bolts and put on the new shocks. Same with the front shocks, although that's a two-man job because somebody has to hold the upper threads to keep them from turning when you loosen/tighten the nut. Be sure to torque them properly, though.