What do I need to know to change shocks?

Posted by patgreen On 2011/3/14 15:01:45

I bought a new set of shocks (from Fred; thank you) for my Patrician. A friend has offered the use of his lift (frame lift) and his two left hands. Like mine, they both contain mostly thumbs.

Is this safely doable by rank amateurs? What do we need to know? I should point out that we know how to lift the car; please remember that this is a frame lift, so the wheels will be dangling.

Do we need any tools beyond appropriate wrenches and possibly a hacksaw?

What are we liable to install upside down, or backwards, or both?

We have the shocks and whatever came with them; I assume the hardware is all new. Anything we should also change/do?

Specific torquing settings?

The obvious thing to do would be to replace as the previous units were installed: given the age and history of the car I want to be sure I am not repeating any previous errors.

This is as exciting as your first turn through the cemetery actually at the wheel!

Thanks for your patience here!