Thread: How hard is it to change the front shocks?

Originally Posted by mojo

Hi all, I recently had my TD5 Defender serviced by M.R Auto, and they've told me the front shocks have worn bushes, and need replacing. I was going to book it back into M.R, but thought maybe it's something I could have a crack at myself.

So, what's the process for changing the front shocks? Do I need any special tools?

Also, what replacement shocks should I be getting?

Everyone is talking about changing the shocks, but your post only says your bushes need replacing.

Not sure if you have dead shocks or just dead buses?

If its just the bushes you need to change then keep your existing shocks and simply swap the bushes for some SuperPro ones. You save LOTS of cash!

R
J

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Good point. I just assumed MR wanted to replace them because they needed replacing! I'll jump on the bull bar tonight and see how many re-bounds I get.

Jack the front up as high as you can then block it under the chassis, about where the doors are.
I use a trolley jack ( super cheap)
jack up one side until the weight comes off the blocks ( or how ever you blocked it, wheel is already off, i do one side at a time) i use a couple of straps to tie the spring closed ( or get some spring compressors from super cheep) while the weight is on the jack, undo the top bolt of the shock, then the bottom. some times you will need to feed some Polly or vice grips though the spring to stop the shock from turning.

now lower the axle as low as you can. the spring will come you of the top mount.. a couple of 1/2 extensions from the top of the spring undo the retaining bolts for the spring at the bottom. IF you have a retaining plate that is, not all do.

now you or i have about 6" between the spring and the top mount. i just push the shock down compressing it until it can come out the side. easy, 20 mints depending on is the shock wants to spring as you undo the nuts or is there is a retaining plate at the bottom

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

ring suspension stuff.

you can beat the price
you can get better quality

you cant do both at the same time.

I agree.. 4x4 Suspension stuff had the best prices when I was shopping around..

and just for the record a friend of mine fitted Monroes to his SWB Pajero four weeks ago and they failed (leaking oil) in 12 days (of dirt driving but not doing it crazy but driving to conditions).. just saying..