Replacing rear shocks on 97 Stepside

[nadsab]

Hi There,

I have to say I just discovered this forum whilst doing my brakes on my ranger, it seems to be a terrific resource.

I own a 97 Ranger 2.3 liter short bed stepside, and I am wondering, for a guy who is a simple back yard mechanic and only does stuff like maintain his own brakes, oil changes, etc, how difficult is it to replace the standard rear shocks with new standard shocks in my baby? What tools would I need?

Would the cost of additional tools bring it up to the same cost as having shocks professionally installed?

I don't mind spending an entire weekend doing it, just wondering about how much of a pain it is to do and if I would need specialized tools, would I have to compress the leaf springs, etc...

I remember getting a quote a few years ago, seems to me it was somewhere around 300 to 400 bucks for reasr shock replacement including parts.

I don't plan on doing any fancy conversions or lifting up the truck, jsut factory equipment that's all.

Thanks anyone.

 

[kkjb4x4.0]

Should take about 30 to 60 minutes. Very simple job,only two bolts on each shock. The only thing that may slow you down is if the nuts are corroded on.Mines a 97 and I'm in the rustbelt, only took about 20 mins to change. A little penetrating fluid should help,good luck and welcome.

 

[nadsab]

Thanks much kkjb4x4.0. My nuts - bolts are corroded too, I'll use some PB.

Do you recommend a breaker bar or a very long socket wrench to get your shocks off?

 

[martin]

You should not need anything special in the way of tools to change shocks, I would however recommend copious use of a good penetrant and allow it time to soak into the parts before you start. If you do have any issues with the job there is usually someone here that has a solution.

 

[Downey]

you will need an 18mm socket and a 15mm socket and a pry bar to get the top off they stick on sometimes shouldnt take you more than 30 min to do

 

[idriveafordranger94]

Rear shocks are extremely easy to do. I did a pair on my Ranger and it took about 30 minutes.

You will need a few things:
WD-40
Saftey Glasses
18mm socket
1/2in drive socket wrench
18mm combination wrench
New shocks & bushings

A day or so before you start, crawl under the truck and soak the upper and lower shock bolts on both sides down with some WD-40 or penetrating oil.

Put on your saftey glasses (lots of rust falls down) and break loose the lower shock bolt, followed by the upper shock mount. Remove the old shock.

Make sure you have the correct bushings on the new shock, and then install it. Tighten the bolts pretty snug. Do the same for the other side.

Thats it! Good Luck!

 

[Tractor Dan]

Everyone has given great advice, honestly i should have followed it before i done mine. lol. The reason i say that is the passenger side lower bolt gave us hell to get loose. We heated it, beat on it, and finally got it. If it comes down to that and the bolt isn't reusable, get all thread that matches the inner diameter of the hole on the shock, lockwasher, nuts, and a hacksaw and you are back in business. Mine has had that for probably 8 to 9 months now and it hasn't come loose. So good luck to you and overall it isn't hard, the drivers side took me less then an hour and the passenger side would have taken the same except for that bolt. Good luck.

Dan